For farmers growing maize in marginal areas the variety Acumen is a wise choice thanks to its attributes of good early vigour, early maturity and good starch content and yield, says Limagrain’s Graham Parnell.
“Good early vigour is an important attribute here in the south west. It helps ensure crops can get off to a rapid start in the spring. Last year’s cold spring, meant it was a difficult start to the season for many maize crops, but that was not the case with Acumen crops,” says Mr Parnell.
“Maize crops need to have reached maturity and have developed starch-rich cobs before harvesting. Acumen’s early maturity ensures its full starch potential is reached in time for an October harvest. And it is a genuinely early variety with the cobs ripening fully first, before the crop starts to die down. Too many maize varieties appear to be early maturing but they don’t perform when grown on marginal sites.”
“From a nutritional perspective, it’s the starch in maize that’s the most beneficial factor for rations. So the varieties grown need to have the potential to produce silage with a high starch content. Acumen fits the bill again, due to its early maturity and genetics,” concludes Mr Parnell.
For details of Acumen distributors in the south west, maize growers can contact Limagrain on 01472 371471.
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