PAC220IT delivers standout results across South-West Victoria

PAC220IT maize from Pacific Seeds is making a strong impression across south-west Victoria, with outstanding yields, excellent crop vigour and valuable new weed control options helping the hybrid stand out in its first commercial season. 

For Tactical AGA agronomist Wayne Firth, the 2025 season confirmed what years of evaluation had suggested – PAC220IT is a hybrid capable of delivering reliable performance across a range of growing conditions. 

“We evaluated the hybrid for two years before its commercial release with the IMI herbicide tolerance package,” Wayne said. 

“PAC220IT consistently looked solid, so once Pacific Seeds released it, we were confident recommending it to growers.” 

With more than 30 years’ experience in agricultural supply, retail and technical services, Wayne worked closely with seven PAC220IT crops across south-west Victoria this season. 

Although seasonal conditions delayed planting for many growers, the hybrid still exceeded expectations. 

“Many crops went in later than planned because of the season, but yields were outstanding,” he said. 

Dryland crops produced around 15 tonnes of dry matter per hectare, while irrigated paddocks achieved between 19 and 28 tonnes per hectare despite a dry summer that left some crops short of moisture. 

“The big thing growers noticed was the size of the crop,” Wayne said. 

“It’s a big, vigorous plant that went on to yield above expectations.” 

“The tall, robust plants maintained excellent standability throughout the season thanks to thick lower stems.” 

A valuable weed control tool

One of PAC220IT’s biggest advantages is its IMI (imidazolinone) herbicide tolerance, providing dairy growers with another option for managing increasingly challenging weed populations. 

“In south-west Victoria we’re seeing more weeds that are tolerant to traditional maize herbicide programs,” Wayne explained. 

“The IT technology gives growers another valuable weed control tool, particularly for weeds like amaranth, fat hen and pigeon grass.” 

The technology also allows residual IMI herbicides to be safely used around fence lines and tracks adjacent to maize paddocks, adding flexibility to whole-farm weed management. 

Strong silage performance 

Yield wasn’t the only area where PAC220IT impressed.  Wayne said the hybrid consistently produced good cob fill and grain content, delivering the starch levels dairy producers need from high-quality maize silage. 

“Some shorter-season hybrids produce plenty of plant bulk but don’t have the grain yield,” he said. “PAC220IT provides a really good balance.” 

Feed quality has compared favourably with longer-season hybrids, giving growers the opportunity to produce high-quality silage from a mid-season maturity hybrid. 

Management matters 

To maximise performance, Wayne recommends planting between late October and mid-November and ensuring crops receive adequate nutrition. 

“It’s a high-yielding hybrid that responds well to good management,” he said. “If growers are targeting 20 to 29 tonnes of dry matter per hectare, planning is critical.” 

He also noted the hybrid responds well to nitrogen applications and performed strongly at populations of

around 90,000 plants per hectare under partial irrigation. 

Growers are coming back 

Perhaps the strongest endorsement has come from growers themselves. 

“The first thing everyone talked about was the size of the crop,” Wayne said. 

“Every grower we worked with this season is planning to plant PAC220IT again in 2026.” 

One comment from a first-time maize grower particularly stood out. He said, ‘I have no idea what’s in it, but the cows love maize. It’s going to have to stay in the ration.’ 

Looking ahead 

Pacific Seeds Territory Manager Dan Rolls said it was exciting to see the hybrid delivering under commercial conditions.

“We’ve had a lot of confidence in PAC220IT throughout its development, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see those results now being confirmed by growers and agronomists across Victoria,” Dan said. 

“The combination of high yield potential, strong agronomics and the flexibility of the IMI herbicide tolerance package is giving growers another valuable option for their silage programs.” 

With demand expected to increase following this season’s performance, Dan encouraged growers to plan ahead. 

“We’ve worked hard to ensure good stock levels are available for the 2026 season, but we’d encourage growers to speak with their local Pacific Seeds representative or reseller early to secure their seed.” 

As dairy businesses continue to focus on maximising feed production and profitability, PAC220IT is proving to be a hybrid that delivers where it matters most—strong yields, excellent silage quality and greater weed management flexibility. 

MORE INFORMATION

 PAC220IT variety: www.pacificseeds.com.au/field-corn1/pac-220it 

Contact:

Dan Rolls 

Pacific Seeds Territory Manager – Central, North East & Western Districts of Victoria 

M: 0417 756 151 

E: Daniel.rolls@advantaseeds.com