PORT BYRON, N.Y. — Accurately determining corn whole plant moisture is important when harvesting for corn silage. Harvesting corn for silage too early (high moisture content) or too late (low moisture content) can affect forage yield, quality and silage fermentation. In the past, growers have used black-layer development or kernel milk line position to estimate when to harvest corn for silage. Because of the variability associated with these methods, growers have been encouraged to periodically check actual whole plant moisture of plants from various fields on their farm. The success of this strategy is dependent on obtaining an accurate moisture content of a 10-plant sample for determining field moisture.
CCE of Cayuga County and SCNY Regional AG Team will be holding a Corn Whole Plant Moisture Workshop on Tuesday, August 30 at E. Merlin Wenger Dairy, 8206 Baptist Hill Road, Port Byron, NY. Time is 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Bring a random 10 plant sample. We will chop and measure moisture using NIR spectroscopy. We recommend 32 – 36% DM for bunk silos and bags, 35 – 38% DM for upright silos. Remember proper length of cut, thorough kernel processing, and adequate packing are all critical in making quality corn silage.
CCE Cayuga County Out of the Shop Meetings are free! Coffee & Light Refreshments. Just Show Up!
Questions? Need directions? Ron Kuck, 315-704-8810, rak76@cornell.edu
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County