November 5, 2025
Maize 2026: Why Field Conditions – Not the Calendar – Should Guide Drilling
As growers start planning for the 2026 maize season, ProCam’s Head of Seed Development, David “Rambo” Ramdhian, has one key message:
Drill according to field conditions, not diary dates.
Reflecting on the 2025 season, David says the year provided a clear reminder of just how important soil conditions are when it comes to drilling decisions.
“In 2025, crops drilled earlier – for example, in early April – often benefitted from enough soil moisture to get away well,” he explains. “But those drilled in late April to early May struggled because rainfall had already stopped and soils were drying out fast.”
The balancing act: maturity versus yield
David also notes that 2025 saw a continuing trend toward very early-maturing varieties, with many growers choosing earliness to reduce the risk of delayed or difficult harvests in wet autumns.
However, he warns that last summer’s hot, dry weather – which pushed crops to mature particularly early – could create a false sense of security going into next year.
“There’s a danger that growers might be tempted to chase yield at the expense of earliness,” David says. “While yield is always important, the value of an early, well-timed harvest shouldn’t be underestimated.”
Why an early harvest still pays
An early harvest doesn’t just make logistics easier — it can deliver wider benefits across the rotation.
“Harvesting early is usually more manageable than trying to deal with a wet, late autumn,” David explains. “It also gives valuable time to repair soil structure, improve fields after compaction, and establish following crops like ryegrass or winter cereals for extra forage.”
The key, he says, is to weigh up the pros and cons of yield versus earliness for your individual system — and to plan to drill as early as conditions allow.
“Ultimately, the safest strategy might be to drill as early as is sensible and aim for an early harvest,” David concludes.
Planning your maize strategy for 2026?
Talk to your local ProCam agronomist for tailored advice on choosing the right maize varieties, drilling timing, and crop management for your conditions.
Together, we’ll help you make confident, well-timed decisions to get the best from every hectare.
