Forage maize crops harvested over recent days on the south Antrim dairy farm of Robert Duncan have yielded up to 18t/ac on fresh weight basis.

He explained: “Cobs had reached full maturity, so final dry matter and starch content values in excess of 30% can be expected.

"We have sent samples from this year’s crop for analysis. We should have the results that we need back within a matter of days

The Co. Antrim milk producer said a lot of maize has been harvested in Co. Down this week, with growers there "very happy" with the outcome of this year’s harvest.

Duncan said: “All in all, it has been a tremendous year for maize.

"Yes we had that period of changeable weather at the beginning of June.

"But the heat that arrived in July and August was exactly what the crops needed.”

Maize harvested on the Duncan farm will be allowed to ensile for the next four weeks.

This will allow for the crop to fully stabilize and ferment. In addition, all the heat will be out of the crop at that stage.

Duncan explained: “The maize silo is opened just before the start of the breeding season for the autumn calving cows.

Meanwhile, the Maizetech representative is already looking forward with great anticipation to the spring planting season of 2027.

He said: “We have had a lot of heavy machinery travelling across the maize fields over recent days. And this can lead to compaction-related issues.

“The plan now is to get the ground sub-soiled over the coming days.

“This will open up the stubble and help ensure that lying water is kept to a minimum over the winter months.

“It also means that we can make the earliest possible start when it comes to planting next year’s maize crop.”

According to Duncan, forage maize is no longer a marginal crop in Ireland.

"Plant breeding developments will continue to ensure this is the case.

“Once farmers grow the crop successfully, they will stick with it. It is an invaluable feed source for dairy and beef cattle," he added.