Corn Silage Harvest Tips for Better Feed

By Scout Nelson

Silage harvest timing is critical for achieving the best feed value. For fully irrigated, full-season corn, silage harvest typically begins about 45 days or 800 growing degree days after tasseling. However, weather conditions and hybrid differences mean farmers must rely on plant development rather than the calendar.

The most important factor is whole-plant moisture, as it affects fermentation and storage. Silage stored too dry is difficult to pack, allowing oxygen into piles and creating spoilage. Too much moisture can lead to nutrient losses and unwanted bacteria growth. The recommended silage storage target is 65–70% moisture.

Another guide is the kernel milk line, which shows starch content. Starch is an energy-rich feed component, and kernels with a milk line closer to the cob have more starch. Moisture and milk line don’t always match, so fields should be checked individually.

Corn silage remains an excellent feed resource, but following harvest, bare ground can be a challenge. Leaving soil uncovered increases erosion, reduces soil health, and wastes an opportunity to grow cover crops.

Options like oats, spring triticale, barley, ryegrass, and turnips can provide fall forage if seeded early. Winter rye and wheat are also popular choices, with rye offering early spring grazing and wheat producing grain or forage. Adding legumes like hairy vetch or peas can improve soil fertility when mixed with cereals.

Pasture and forage are also at risk from drought. One-way producers can manage this uncertainty is with USDA’s Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance. Unlike traditional insurance, PRF is based on rainfall averages for a region. If rainfall drops below normal during selected months, indemnity payments help cover the cost of feed or supplements.

PRF does not guarantee profits but provides valuable cash flow stability, helping ranchers avoid herd reductions during drought years. Enrollment is open annually until December 1.

By managing silage timing, planting cover crops, and using PRF insurance, farmers can better protect feed supplies and soil resources while preparing for uncertain weather.

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