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Posted 27 August 2007. Forage and Grazinglands. Silage Harvest Quickly Approaching Take note of crop conditions now; initiate a field-by-field moisture testing program Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. www.pioneer.com Des Moines, Iowa (August 21, 2007)--Last week, areas of the country experienced hot, dry weather conditions. Growers are encouraged to be aware of the fast approaching silage season. Take note of crop conditions now and initiate a field-by-field moisture testing program.
In nearly every state, dry or drought-like conditions have caused some producers to salvage their crop and minimize the losses by harvesting early. Silage harvest timing is critical. Don't harvest too late and miss the optimum harvest window - thus storing and feeding too dry silage or high moisture corn. Keep the following in mind when harvesting silage: • Drought can cause lower starch and higher sugar content in corn silage because there is less grain in the total silage mix. Corn will ferment quickly so using an inoculant will encourage proper fermentation and improve stability at feedout. In drought-stressed silage, field bacteria counts are likely to be lower than normal. • Sample fields and conduct dry matter tests. Corn silage should be ensiled between 68 percent to 72 percent (whole plant moisture) for pits, stacks and bunker-type silos. For conventional-type silos, harvest at 62 percent to 68 percent moisture. For oxygen-limiting structures, 50 percent to 60 percent moisture is recommended. Depending on the structure and chop length, feedout rates and other management factors, this can vary. • High nitrate levels are common in drought-stressed forages. Growers should increase cutting heights to reduce the threat of nitrate issues. It also is important to test forages before feeding to avoid nitrate toxicity. Contact: |
