Forage maize harvest expected to get underway in early September
The 2026 forage maize harvest looks set to get underway at the beginning of September, with many crops ready for cutting within the first fortnight of the month.
This will be the earliest start to a maize harvest ever recorded in Ireland, with some crops reaching full maturation within 125 days of planting.
Maizetech’s John Foley told Agriland: “Crops planted under plastic got off to a tremendous start and have never looked back, despite the drought."
He noted that this year has seen a number of tillage farmers growing maize for the first time, particularly in the south-east.
“In a number of instances, crops were grown without the use of plastic," Foley said.
"And here crops have come under a degree of moisture stress, particularly those growing on light soils.
"However, the recent rains have helped to boost crops growth once again."
One impact of the very dry and warm conditions throughout the summer period has been the development of one cob only.
Foley said: “This was to be expected. The maize plant has the potential to produce two cobs.
"However, preference will always be given to the top cob in terms of its growth and maturity.
“So, we have ended up with a scenario which has seen the development of truly excellent upper cobs with starch levels in the region of 32-33%.”
Yields
Foley is expecting a slight dip in forage maize yields, year-on-year.
“But the difference will not be significant,” he stressed.
“The key trends linked to forage maize production in 2026 are the continuing expansion of the crop area, the fact that so many farmers can grow the crops well, and the reality that forage maize will play such an important role in delivering much-need additional fodder on Irish farms over the coming winter months.”
The Maizetech representative believes forage maize can be grown on a sustainable basis across the island of Ireland.
“But lessons continue to be learned regarding the option of growing the crops without the use of plastic.
“Yes, crops that were planted out in bare soil got off to a good enough start.
"But it soon became evident that the use of plastic really encourages much better plant development in those early growth stages.
“This meant that the more advanced crops could cope with the challenges posed by drought much more effectively.
“Successful maize production is all about giving crops the best possible start," Foley added.
