By: Katie Raver, Animal Nutrition Technical Services Director

Tip #1:  Corn silage will be ready around 45 days after tassel (or a few days after at silking) according to the long-standing rule of thumb. However, the number of days until the ideal dry matter (DM) can range widely, depending on rainfall and accumulated growing degree days. One study from Cornell University found that actual days from silking to 68% moisture varied from 31-45.

Proper harvest moisture helps ensure the crop will ensile and pack properly. Figure 1 below shows how less-than-ideal DM in corn silage can lead to increased risk for higher fermentation shrink. If DM is too high and the crop is too mature, fiber quality can be compromised. While it may be tempting to visually assess dry matter, appearance can often be deceiving. Crops with high starch content will often look greener while maintaining at or around ideal DM, due to the grain’s higher DM content. On the other hand, drought-stressed corn that lacks grain may take longer to reach the ideal DM. The best way to ensure the crop is harvested at the proper moisture is to directly measure - and a representative sample is critical.

Figure 1: Fermentation Shrink