Reliable Silage Starts Here.

Maize plays a vital role in Taranaki farming systems, where reliable rainfall and strong dairy demand require consistent silage production. While growing conditions are generally favourable, seasonal variability, pasture pressure and exposure to wind-prone conditions make maize an important tool for maintaining feed supply.

It is typically grown as a high-value, high-energy silage feed, helping to extend lactation, bridge summer feed deficits and boost per-hectare production, especially during dry summer periods when pasture growth slows. Its consistent feed quality makes it a reliable option for maintaining animal performance across variable seasons.

Maize also plays an important role within the wider farm system. It provides an effective opportunity for pasture renewal and helps utilise excess nitrogen and potassium within effluent systems, contributing to improved soil health and environmental performance when grown on the dairy platform.

In This Region, Hybrid Selection Is Typically Driven By:

  • Maximising silage yield for dairy systems
  • Delivering reliable maturity across variable seasons
  • Supporting pasture renewal and effluent management
  • Maintaining performance in wind-exposed environments

Regional Hybrid Choices

PAC 081

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

PAC 081 is a very early maturing hybrid suited to Taranaki systems where early harvest and flexibility are important. It provides a reliable silage option while still delivering useful grain content for its maturity, making it a strong fit for tighter rotations and pasture renewal programmes.

  • Very early maturing dual-purpose hybrid suited to shorter or flexible rotations
  • Strong silage yield for its maturity with reliable grain content
  • Supports early harvest and regrassing requirements
  • Excellent test weight grain suitable for food-grade markets
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PAC 144

Silage & Grain Maize Hybrid
CRM 94
PAC maize hybrid

PAC 144 is a mid-maturity hybrid that balances strong early growth with consistent silage performance. It is well suited to Taranaki’s variable conditions, where reliable establishment and a solid disease package are important for maintaining crop performance through the season.

  • Medium-tall plant with very good early growth for reliable establishment
  • Long, girthy cobs with very good husk cover supporting yield and grain fill
  • Strong disease package suited to humid, variable environments
  • Consistent performer across a range of seasonal conditions
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PAC 344

Silage & Grain Maize Hybrid
CRM 102
PAC 492 maize hybrid

PAC 344 is a reliable mid to full season hybrid suited to Taranaki systems where consistency, plant health and standability are key. Its compact structure and strong agronomic profile make it a dependable option under higher input dairy systems and wind-exposed conditions.

  • Mid to full season dual-purpose hybrid suited to central North Island conditions
  • Unique, compact medium-height plant with thick stalks for strong standability
  • Broad leaf structure supporting dry matter production
  • Excellent tolerance to Northern Leaf Blight and ear-rot pressure
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Maize Cob

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Regional Faqs

Maize silage is an important feed source for Taranaki dairy farms because it provides a consistent, high-energy supplement that complements pasture production throughout the year. It helps fill seasonal feed deficits, supports milk production during periods of slower pasture growth, and offers greater certainty than relying solely on pasture. Hybrids such as PAC 007, PAC 144, PAC 298, and PAC 314 are well suited to Taranaki's dairy-based systems because they deliver reliable yields and high-quality silage.
The most important traits for Taranaki include high dry matter yield, strong early vigour, good disease resistance and reliable performance across varying seasons. Strong standability and staygreen also help maximise harvest flexibility and silage quality. PAC 007, PAC 144 and PAC 344 combine these characteristics, making them excellent choices for the region.
Strong coastal winds can increase the risk of lodging, particularly as crops approach maturity. Choosing hybrids with excellent stalk strength, strong root systems and good standability helps reduce this risk. Hybrids including PAC 007, PAC 144, PAC 314 and PAC 344 have proven structural strength that allows crops to remain standing through challenging conditions.
Maize is an excellent break crop before establishing new pasture. It provides an opportunity to control weeds, improve soil structure and utilise nutrients before paddocks are re-grassed. Selecting an earlier or mid-season hybrid allows harvest to be completed in time for successful autumn pasture establishment.
Maize has a high demand for nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), making it well suited to paddocks receiving dairy effluent. The crop can efficiently utilise these nutrients to produce large amounts of dry matter while helping recycle nutrients back into the farming system. Good nutrient management also supports consistent crop performance and silage quality.
Earlier maturity becomes important where maize is followed by autumn pasture renewal or another crop. Hybrids such as PAC 081 (79 CRM), PAC 007 (81 CRM), and PAC 144 (94 CRM) allow growers to harvest earlier while still producing excellent silage yields, giving pasture sufficient time to establish before winter.
Yes. While pasture growth often slows during dry summers, maize continues to provide a reliable source of conserved feed. High-quality maize silage acts as a valuable feed buffer, maintaining cow performance and reducing pressure on pasture during periods of moisture stress.

Contact Us

For advice on silage maize systems in Taranaki, 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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