Promising modern hybrids for dairy rations and biogas
12th January 2026
Choosing the right maize variety for the farm location and the crop end use is key to maximising harvest results, according to Andrew Cook of seed breeder KWS. He highlights a couple of promising modern hybrids suitable for livestock forage or biogas.
A successful maize harvest starts with varietal choice, stresses Mr Cook, KWS maize product manager.
“Variety selection should be based on location and soil type, and may even be influenced by individual field aspect on some farms. Another important factor is end use.
“In general, livestock producers will be looking for a high-quality crop that will boost milk yield or daily liveweight gains, while AD growers often prioritise high yields, good energy values and a spread of maturity dates to ease the workload.”
He added: “When considering maize varieties for this season’s planting, I would urge all growers to look at figures for some of the newer hybrids, which push previous production boundaries.
“These modern hybrids represent the rapid progress achieved in maize breeding over the past decade and will deliver improved results, compared with older genetics.
“Some are classified as ‘short-season’ types, also offering the potential to bring forward harvest date. They have the ability to mature in as little as 130 days, as long as the variety is matched to farm conditions.”
Recommendations for milk producers
For milk producers, another influential factor is the maize silage inclusion rate in the diet, he says.
“For rations with a moderate maize silage inclusion rate, at least a proportion of ultra-early or early varieties with a FAO, or maturity rating of 170 and below is recommended. They can produce very high starch yields and the early harvest date can be useful where an all-year-round supply is required.
“Milk producers who routinely include maize at a high rate could sow a proportion of later-maturing hybrids, which offer superb yield potential and moderate starch. However, a minimum starch content of 30% should be set as a minimum for variety selection, in order to fully reap the nutritional benefits of the crop.”
He picks out KWS Giso and KWS Zimo as two examples of strong, multi-use hybrids that are featured in the latest KWS maize seed portfolio.
“KWS Giso brings the best of breeding progress to the market. It has a FAO, or maturity rating of 160, putting it into the ultra-early category. Its figures will stack up for many growers, with a yield average of 18.0t/ha DM, a tremendous starch content of 39.3% and an ME of 11.59 MJ/kg DM. It has been a stand-out variety in the National List trials and is scheduled for launch on the Descriptive List for 2027.
“It is a true multi-use variety, with great potential as a total mixed ration ingredient or for feeding to beef cattle in the final third of the finishing period. It will also fit in well with an AD grower rotation, as it combines excellent yields with the bonus of cutting date flexibility.”
Dairy cow rations
For livestock producers, KWS Giso also has a high rating for the qualities associated with crimped grain production, he adds.
These traits are increasingly attracting attention as producers turn to crimped maize, in the drive to produce more home-grown feed against a backdrop of rising purchased feed prices.
Meanwhile, KWS Zimo, with a FAO of 190, is another dual-purpose variety, he explains. Suitable for livestock forage and biogas production, it has slightly later maturity compared with KWS Giso. Its figures show an average 19.6t/ha DM on favourable sites, with a ME of 11.73 MJ/kg DM coupled with a starch percentage of 35.3.
“KWS Zimo is notable for its balanced starch content, making it an ideal choice for a dairy cow ration which uses maize at a 50-70% inclusion rate,” says Mr Cook. “It features on the NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List as first choice for favourable sites for 2026. Another positive attribute is its reputation for rapid establishment in the spring. That can be a huge plus in challenging sowing conditions.”
The national maize acreage is expected to rise for the coming year, he notes.
“Last autumn’s maize harvest helped to fill the clamps to counter grass silage shortages on some livestock units, as well as giving most biogas growers a relatively trouble-free harvest. KWS has a plentiful supply of maize seed stocks for this season, although early ordering will help to secure your variety of choice,” says Mr Cook.
For more information on the KWS 2026 Maize Variety Portfolio view the company website.
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