Des Moines, Iowa
August 3, 2007
With harvest to begin in
mid-August, growers should focus on optimal whole plant moisture
level
Across the U.S. Corn Belt, crops are progressing, and corn
silage harvest will begin in some areas as early as mid-August.
To help ensure high yields, growers should concentrate on
moisture level as a signal for harvest-ready corn silage.
“If growers wait for brown leaves, especially with today’s
modern corn genetics that stay green later in the growing
season, they may miss their harvest window totally,” says Bill
Seglar, Pioneer Hi-Bred
nutritional sciences veterinarian. “Instead, they should be
looking at moisture content as the key corn silage harvest
indicator.”
In order to achieve optimal moisture content, growers need to
pay close attention to when corn tassels. This provides an
estimate for the correct silage harvest window - approximately
40 to 45 days after tasseling, Seglar says. He suggests growers
look closely at their fields two to three weeks before the date
estimated by the crop’s tassels and assess the kernel milkline.
University of Wisconsin research shows that while a two-thirds
milkline is the optimal maturity indicator for corn in the 63
percent to 68 percent moisture range, weather and growing
variables may result in a much larger moisture variability
range.
“The only way a producer will really know the moisture content
is to collect a representative sampling of the crop for
determination of whole plant moisture content,” Seglar says.
“Growers who expend efforts to evaluate their samples will have
the reward of higher-quality corn silage as an end result.”
A sample of nine to 10 stalks (chopped with a landscaper’s
chipper/shredder and dried in a Koster crop tester or microwave)
is recommended for evaluating moisture content. If the crop is
not at its most favorable moisture level, it can be expected to
drop 0.5 percent to 1 percent per day under normal weather and
growing conditions.
Additionally, Pioneer inoculants - such as Pioneer® brand 1132,
11C33 or 11CFT - work best when the crop is harvested at the
correct moisture level. If the harvest window is missed, the
benefit from inoculation will be less than ideal in reducing
shrink losses, enhancing nutrient availability and/or improving
bunklife properties during feedout.
Correct moisture content and use of well-researched inoculants
are important for maximizing silage quality. Forage experts
recommend a combination of other silage management practices for
best results as well. These include ensuring proper chop length
and kernel processor settings; packing tractor weight;
appropriately sized storage structures; covering and sealing
silage securely; and using appropriate feedout practices.
Following the suggested practices, as well as setting ensiling
goals upfront, can help silage producers reduce initial shrink
losses, enhance silage nutritive value, and minimize feedout
heating and bunk-life losses.
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a subsidiary of DuPont, is the world’s
leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock
producers and grain and oilseed processors. With headquarters in
Des Moines, Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant
genetics in nearly 70 countries. DuPont is a science-based
products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts
science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a
better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating
in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of
innovative products and services for markets including
agriculture and food; building and construction; communications;
and transportation.
® Registered trademark of Pioneer Hi-Bred |
|
