FOLEY, Minn. — With corn silage harvest ending here soon, I thought it appropriate to bring up the influence recent weather issues will have on handling and storage. It is relatively interesting to follow up conversations on drought issues throughout the region with conversations on extreme stormy weather. While I was happy to see that many growers were adjusting to downed corn appropriately, it is worthwhile to note that concerns don’t end there. They continue into the storage bin.
Keeping downed corn silage separate from higher quality sources is recommended. We will expect both silage quality and fermentation concerns in these types of forage sources. While most of this corn silage was only lying on the ground a few days, we expect to see increased ash content and decreased quality. The expected increase in ash content is due to the header of the silage chopper running closer to the ground to help pick up downed corn plants. This will cause soil particles to be picked up at higher levels leading to increases in yeast, mold, and ash content. The increased levels of mold and yeasts will reduce the formation of lactic acid producing bacteria leading to fermentation issues. To help combat this, we will need to use a proven inoculant that will help with the reduction of yeast and mold growth. This should also help prevent any further dry matter losses we may encounter at feed out.
Mycotoxins in this forage material is another concern for downed corn. To prevent issues due to mycotoxins, sample the corn silage regardless of the quality of the corn silage harvested. Work with a nutritionist if mycotoxins are detected to determine the best way forward.
Finally, damage to the stalk and ear can cause issues with silage quality. When stalks are broken and on the ground, this can cause the plant to dry down faster and may promote stalk rots among other issues. This may also lead to loss of kernels and lower levels of sugars and nutrients further increasing losses in the field. Keeping track of where these potential forage sources are located in storage will make management decisions easier later in the season.
When dealing with any corn silage source remember the major players in proper silage fermentation: proper moisture and maturity, proper length of cut, proper filling, packing, and sealing. If you have questions on the above information, please feel free to email me at ndrewitz@umn.edu, or call at 608-515-4414. To receive future events, educational programming, and agronomic updates by email, signup at z.umn.edu/tricountysignup.
— Nathan Drewitz University of Minnesota Extension
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