Best practice project successfully enters the next phase with maize test

At the Agritechnica trade fair, KRONE, SILOKING and smaXtec presented the positive results of their joint field tests using maize silage at two dairy farms. As already determined with grass, the feeding efficiency and CO2 footprint was able to be improved significantly using innovative solutions. 

Spelle/Tittmoning/Graz – November 2025: following the successful start in the previous year KRONE, SILOKING and smaXtec have continued to work together on their best practice project. After achieving convincing results on tests with grass, in 2025 maize silage was tested for the first time at two agricultural holdings. Their objective was to further increase feeding efficiency, to improve the CO2 footprint of dairy farms and to determine practical knowledge for agricultural practice.

Data-based optimisation of the entire production chain
The joint project by KRONE, SILOKING and smaXtec aims to systematically analyse and optimise the entire milk production process chain, right from the harvest, through to feeding and animal health. The latest harvest and feeding technology, as well as digital sensor data has been implemented during this process to establish a transparent link between the feed quality and health of animals.
Following the successful completion of the first grass silage tests in 2024, the main focus of 2025 has been maize silage – one of the most important forage plants in the dairy farming sector. By conducting tests at two different farms, both the regional conditions at the locations and individual differences at the farms could be taken into consideration.
The three partners have come to a joint conclusion that the results of the project confirm that precisely coordinated machine settings during the harvest and forage preparation process combined with continuous monitoring of the animals can significantly increase efficiency.

Technology meets animals: accurate harvest, exact mixture, intelligent sensors
The field test once again highlighted that the optimum coordination of the entire process chain is decisive.

• With its harvesting technology, KRONE ensured that the forage quality remained high and resources were used efficiently.
• SILOKING convinced with maximum mixing accuracy and minimum loading deviations, significantly increasing the precision of rations and thus the feeding efficiency.
• The pH-Boli from smaXtec ensured an accurate analysis of the digestion parameters in the rumen – a key factor when it comes to the utilisation of forage and formation of methane.

Links between the composition of the forage, pH value progression and animal health could thus be established in real-time and adaptations could be implemented immediately.

Presentation at Agritechnica 2025
The current status of the project and results of the tests with maize were presented at the KRONE stand in Hall 27 at the Agritechnica trade fair. The experts from KRONE, SILOKING and smaXtec were at the stand to discuss technical matters and answer questions about the project.

Opinions about the project

Markus Steinwendner, Head of Marketing at KRONE Agriculture:
"By expanding the project to include maize silage, we have taken an important step. Maize plays a significant role in the operations of many dairy farms. Our results highlight that if accurate technology and smart monitoring are used, significant progress can also be made in this sector.

Florian Dorfner, Product Management SILOKING:
"The high mixing precision and low deviations during loading are crucial for accurately adapting the rations to the requirements of the animals. This has a direct impact on animal health and performance."

Stefanie Murauer, International Marketing Manager smaXtec:
"Our sensor data establishes a link between the forage and animals. Especially the ph value in the rumen provides an indication of the feeding efficiency and methane formation. The fact we can achieve significant improvements is a strong indication for sustainable milk production."

Background
The best practice project combines the skills of three leading companies in the agricultural technology sector: KRONE (harvesting technology), SILOKING (feeding technology) and smaXtec (sensors and animal health). The companies have worked together to set new standards for efficiency, sustainability and animal welfare at dairy farms by establishing a link between machine technology, data analysis and animal monitoring.
The tests with grass in 2024 already proved that optimising the harvesting and feeding processes reduced the CO2 emissions per litre of milk significantly while simultaneously increasing milk production levels. The maize silage tests conducted in 2025 substantiate these findings and provide valuable data to develop the technology and agricultural practices further.

About the project partners

KRONE
Maschinenfabrik Bernard KRONE GmbH & Co. KG is based in Spelle, Germany, and is a leading manufacturer of innovative agricultural machines used to harvest forage.

SILOKING
SILOKING Mayer Maschinenbau GmbH develops and produces high-quality feeding technology "Made in Germany" – from feed mixing vehicles through to stationary systems.

smaXtec
smaXtec animal care GmbH based in Graz, Austria, supplies unique systems to monitor the health of animals in real-time using its Bolus technology and AI-based solutions.


Press contact:

Markus Steinwendner
Head of Marketing KRONE Agriculture 
+49 5977 935 188 20
markus.steinwendner@krone.de
www.krone-agriculture.com

Florian Dorfner 
Product Management 
+49 8683 8984 1281 | Mobile +49 151 5333 7060 
florian.dorfner@siloking.com |www.siloking.com 

Stefanie Murauer
International Marketing Manager
Mobile: +43 664 884 409 16
stefanie.murauer@smaXtec.com 
www.smaXtec.com