Corn silage harvest will be here soon, and it is typically the biggest piece of the feed ration for the following year.

Managing corn silage harvest is typically the biggest component of livestock feed rations for the following year. Three key areas of silage harvest to focus on that are crucial for high-quality feed include:

Timing is Everything: When to Harvest Corn Silage

We determine harvest timing primarily by whole-plant moisture levels. Traditionally, when corn kernels were around half-milk line, the crop was “ready to chop!” However, this estimating method has become less dependable with today’s corn hybrids and management tools.

An increase in fungicide applications keeps the leaves and stalks healthier and at a higher moisture level for longer. Modern genetics are naturally trending in the same direction with increased “staygreen,” so corn kernels can now be near black layer before the whole plant is dry enough to chop.

The position of the milk line in the kernel indicates the plant’s moisture content. Start testing whole-plant moisture when the kernels are near half milk line. Don’t be surprised if the whole plant is still 70%+ moisture at this time and not dry enough to chop. Being equipped and ready to hit these moistures is a huge first step in harvesting quality silage.

Horizontal Silage Bunker: Chopping when the plant is in the 65-70% moisture range allows for better packing

Silage Bag: These are typically a little more forgiving, and moisture ranges of 60-70% work well

Upright Stave Silos: Work best with 60-65% moisture

Upright “Harvestore” Oxygen-Limiting Silos: Work well from 50-60%.

In general, upright silage silos naturally pack better, and their slightly lower target moistures help reduce loss from seepage.

Corn Silage Best Practices: Cutting Height

Corn silage cutting height plays a crucial role in balancing yield, quality, and overall feed value. 

Beck's 3-year Corn Silage Harvest Height PFR Study

 has shown the highest return with a 6 in. cutting height.

Cutting too low can increase the risk of incorporating dirt and debris, potentially leading to spoilage and reduced feed quality. On the other hand, cutting too high can sacrifice valuable yield and leave behind digestible nutrients in the lower stalk portion.

Ultimately, the optimal harvest height will be heavily influenced by the growing conditions you face.

When it comes to chopping corn silage, length and kernel processing have progressed over the years. Kernel processors that break the corn kernels open help increase quality by increasing silage digestibility and access to the starch component. A wider range of corn genetics can now be successfully harvested for silage, even those with harder kernel styles.

When using a kernel processor, chop length can be increased to help manage the horsepower requirements and throughput of the machine. Doubling the chop length to 3/4 in. can maintain productivity without negatively affecting quality.

Ensuring Quality Fermentation: Packing and Storage of Silage

Oxygen is the enemy of silage because it allows molds and yeasts to grow. Proper packing and oxygen barriers create an environment where molds and yeasts cannot grow and are crucial to optimizing corn silage quality.

As silage undergoes the fermentation process (ensiling), lactic acid is produced. This causes the pH of the silage to drop to a level that allows for long-term dry matter preservation and quality. Molds and yeasts break down this lactic acid, and silage quality deteriorates because the low pH is not maintained.

The addition of a lactic acid-producing inoculant for corn silage, like 

, and the use of yeast and mold inhibitors like Bio-Xtra can increase the amount of lactic acid and preserve silage feed quality.

Emphasizing these aspects of silage harvest management will send you in the right direction for a successful and high-quality basis for your livestock feed for the next year.