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Corteva to phase out BMR corn hybrids

A line of corn hybrids popular with U.S. dairy producers is being discontinued. 

In a statement to Brownfield, a Corteva spokesperson says the dairy industry is evolving and the company is focused on growing farmer demand for high-quality, high-tonnage silage hybrids.  Corteva has made the decisions to phase out Brown Midrib hybrids over multiple seasons.

Duane Ducat from Deer Run Dairy in northeastern Wisconsin says he’s curious how that will affect milk production. “We had good conventional digestibility at, you know, anywhere from the 63 to 68 NDF30. With BMR, we’re looking probably eight points higher in digestibility.”

Ducat says the BMR corn silage has been an important part of feed rations. “Having that digestible forage makes good milk. I would say that we’re looking at probably four pounds of milk before energy corrected so it’s been feeding very well for us, the BMR.”

In a statement to Brownfield, Corteva says, “Farmers will continue to have BMR hybrids this season and the phase out will take place over several years. We have a pipeline of silage solutions that are both high quality and high tonnage, and will include them in our product offering as they become available.”