Sunset outshines other maize varieties

A standout newcomer is joining ProCam’s maize portfolio for 2026 – and it’s already turning heads. Sunset, a very early variety bred by Limagrain, is now available exclusively through ProCam after impressive results in UK trials and on-farm testing.

ProCam’s Technical Seed Specialist, Hayley Wellings, has been keeping a close eye on Sunset since it first appeared in small plot trials three years ago.

“We’ve taken Sunset through a full internal screening process across multiple UK sites,” she says. “It’s shown it has the consistency, early maturity and feed value that farmers need, especially in seasons where the weather doesn’t always play ball.”

Why Sunset Stands Out

Sunset sits in the FAO 160–170 bracket – firmly in the ‘very early’ category – making it an ideal choice for livestock farmers who want to secure an early harvest, boost ration quality or open up autumn drilling opportunities.

Across trials and on-farm tests in 2025, it delivered:

• 6.62 t/ha starch yield
• 11.57 MJ/kg DM energy density
• 18.7 t DM/ha dry matter yield (BSPB/NIAB data)

“It offers superb feed value for forage or crimping,” says Hayley. “And because it matures early, growers can stay ahead of the season – a real advantage for those farming in challenging climates or tight rotations.”

Built for UK Conditions

Sunset’s agronomic ratings speak for themselves:

• Early vigour: 7.0
• Standing power: 7.0
• Leaf senescence: 6.5
• Cell wall digestibility: 56.4

Its strong early vigour has been particularly valuable in recent dry springs. At several ProCam demo sites in 2025 – including two fully replicated trials – Sunset pushed ahead early, getting its roots down before drought began to limit growth.

“Sunset simply got away quicker,” says Hayley. “By the time rainfall became scarce, it was already further through its growth stages. That ability to ‘beat the weather’ translated into strong yields and energy content.”

The variety’s tall plant height and dense canopy also helped it capture plenty of that season’s bright summer sunshine – another factor behind its performance.

Where Sunset Fits Best

Sunset is well suited to a wide range of UK conditions, but it particularly thrives on:

• Fertile soils
• Fields with good moisture retention
• Regions where weather can test less robust varieties

It performed strongly in 2024’s cloudy summer and again in 2025’s dry, hot conditions – proving its resilience and reliability.

Sunset is a great option for:

✔ Forage

✔ Crimping

✔ Anaerobic digestion (AD)

However, it’s not suitable for the petfood grain market due to its anthocyanin content.

Availability for 2026

After limited seed quantities were grown in 2025, Sunset is now available more widely – though volumes remain limited for 2026. Early interest has been strong, particularly from growers wanting to pair it with other early favourites like Jardinero, Duke and Rodriguez.

“We’ve already had a lot of enquiries,” confirms Hayley. “Sunset has proven it can compete – and in many cases outperform – other very early varieties. We’re excited to offer it more broadly this season.”

Ready to Try Sunset on Your Farm?

Sunset seed is now available exclusively through ProCam for the 2026 season – but volumes are limited.

Contact your local ProCam agronomist today to discuss whether Sunset is the right fit for your system and secure your seed while stocks last.

Data taken from BSPB/NIAB NL/DL Trials

*Breeder/Field Options estimate