Drought Corn For Silage

Drought Corn For Silage
Image: iStock/Thinkstock
August 15th, 2022 | Ben Beckman

High input costs and dry conditions mean making the most out of every forage opportunity critical this year.  If corn fields aren’t producing a grain crop, can we capture value in other ways?

While drought stressed corn may look like a lost crop, the value as silage may still be present. Even if corn has no grain, we can expect 80-90% of the energy value found in regular corn silage.  This energy is in a bit different form however and should impact our management decisions. Instead of starch in grain, energy is still in sugars in the stalk.  Because of this, getting a quick and efficient fermentation is critical to capturing as much value as possible before molds, yeast, and harmful bacteria can begin chipping away.  In these cases, using quality inoculant to speed up fermentation and improve stability is a good idea.

Another value of silage production the opportunity to lower nitrate risks.  While other options like grazing and haying may be a way to use droughty corn, they pose a very high risk of locking in toxic levels of nitrates that may have accumulating in the forage.  When ensiled properly, silage fermentation can reduce nitrate levels up to 50%. 

Finally, drought impacted corn can be tricky to accurately assess moisture levels on.  While it may look overly dry, corn, especially without ears to signal the plant to dry down, can retain high levels of moisture in the stock for well into the fall.  Before you cut, take a test strip if possible or hand sample even dry looking corn stands to ensure moisture levels are right.

Drought stressed corn may still provide valuable forage, especially as silage.  Ferment fast to capture energy value, keep an eye on true moisture levels, and watch nitrates for success.

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