Flexible Hybrids.
Consistent Results.

Maize is widely grown across the Manawatū–Whanganui and Wairarapa regions, where generally favourable growing conditions support both silage and grain production. These areas offer a balance of reliable heat accumulation and seasonal variability, requiring hybrids that can perform consistently across a range of conditions.

Maize is used as a high-value, high-energy silage feed for dairy systems and as a major grain crop for animal feeding enterprises. It plays an important role in bridging seasonal feed deficits, while high starch silage and grain production support improved animal performance and overall farm productivity.

This region is well suited to dual-purpose maize systems, where growers can balance silage yield and grain potential depending on seasonal conditions and farm requirements.

In This Region, Hybrid Selection Is Typically Driven By:

  • Balancing yield potential with reliable maturity
  • Maintaining flexibility across silage and grain systems
  • Performing consistently across variable seasonal conditions
  • Supporting dependable harvest timing

Regional Hybrid Choices

PAC 007

Silage & Grain Maize Hybrid
Silage CRM 81 / Grain CRM 88
PAC maize hybrid

PAC 007 is a reliable, high-performing hybrid suited to systems where consistent yield and strong early growth are important. It is well suited to variable conditions across Manawatū–Whanganui and Wairarapa, delivering dependable silage and grain performance.

  • Excellent yield stability across a range of seasonal conditions
  • Large, bulky plant with strong early growth for reliable establishment
  • Very good stalk and root strength supporting standability
  • Well-filled, girthy ears with high test weight grain
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PAC 081

Silage & Grain Maize Hybrid
Silage CRM 79 / Grain CRM 86
PAC maize hybrid

PAC 081 is a very early maturing hybrid that provides flexibility in systems where early harvest or rotation timing is important. It offers a strong balance of silage yield and grain potential, making it a reliable option for dual-purpose use.

  • Very early maturing dual-purpose hybrid suited to flexible systems
  • Strong silage yield with reliable grain content for its maturity
  • Supports early harvest and rotation requirements
  • Excellent test weight grain suitable for food-grade markets
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PAC 298

Silage & Grain Maize Hybrid
Silage CRM 95 / Grain CRM 98
PAC 492 maize hybrid

PAC 298 is a robust mid to later maturity hybrid suited to growers targeting higher yield potential while maintaining resilience under variable seasonal conditions. It is a strong dual-purpose option where both silage and grain performance are important.

  • Reliable, robust dual-purpose hybrid suited to variable environments
  • Strong agronomic package with very good drought tolerance
  • Excellent grain yield for its maturity
  • Well suited to both silage and grain systems
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Maize Cob

To learn more about our full range of maize hybrid options use our seed selector tool

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Regional Considerations

Manawatu-Whanganui

Maize production across Manawatū-Whanganui is influenced by variable soil types and seasonal conditions, with heavier soils in some areas requiring careful management to ensure reliable establishment. Drainage can be a limiting factor, making paddock selection and early crop development important for achieving consistent performance.

Hybrid selection should focus on reliable maturity, strong early vigour and the ability to perform across variable soil and moisture conditions.

Wairarapa

Maize establishment in the Wairarapa can be impacted by wetter spring conditions and the risk of late frosts, making timing and early crop development critical. Well-drained paddocks and favourable conditions are key to achieving consistent crop performance.

Hybrid selection should prioritise strong early vigour, appropriate maturity (CRM) and reliable establishment under cooler, more variable spring conditions.

Matching CRM and hybrid characteristics to your local climate and end use ensures consistent performance.

Regional Faqs

The Manawatū–Whanganui and Wairarapa regions experience a wide range of soil types and seasonal conditions, so consistency is essential. Hybrids such as PAC 007, PAC 144, PAC 298, PAC 344, and PAC 314 have demonstrated stable performance across multiple environments, providing growers with reliable yields regardless of seasonal variation. AriDapt® hybrids also offer improved resilience under moisture stress.
Both silage and grain maize are successfully grown throughout the Manawatū. Many growers choose dual-purpose hybrids so they can harvest for silage or grain depending on seasonal conditions, feed demand and market opportunities. PAC 298, PAC 344 and PAC 314 all provide this flexibility.
The region contains everything from free-draining sandy soils to heavier clay and silt soils. Soil type influences water availability, nutrient management and rooting depth, making hybrid selection important. Hybrids with strong root development, drought tolerance and good adaptability perform most consistently across these varying soil conditions.
Cool, wet springs can delay planting and slow early growth, while late frosts may affect early sown crops. Waiting until soils are warm enough for rapid emergence and selecting hybrids with strong early vigour helps establish an even, vigorous crop. PAC 007 and PAC 144 are particularly noted for their excellent early growth.
Early vigour is critical for rapid establishment, helping maize compete with weeds and make the most of the growing season. Strong early growth also improves crop uniformity and supports higher final yields. Hybrids including PAC 007 and PAC 144 are recognised for their excellent establishment characteristics.
Most growers in the lower North Island achieve the best balance of flexibility and yield with mid-range hybrids between approximately 90 and 101 CRM. This maturity range provides enough growing time to maximise yield while still allowing flexibility for either grain or silage harvest and subsequent crop rotations.
Yes. Many Corson Maize hybrids are true dual-purpose options, allowing growers to adapt their harvest strategy based on seasonal conditions, feed demand or grain prices. Hybrids such as PAC 144, PAC 298, PAC 344, and PAC 314 perform well whether harvested for silage or taken through to grain, providing valuable system flexibility.

Contact Us

For advice on silage maize systems in Manawatū–Whanganui & Wairarapa, or to discuss maize for grain options, contact your local Corson Maize Sales Agronomist to match the right hybrid to your farm system and production goals.

 

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