Drought-Stressed Corn for Silage

Because hay fields are not producing usual amounts of hay this summer, some farmers are using their drought-stressed corn for silage. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Drought corn silage can have 80-95% of net energy value of normal corn and more crude protein- about 11% vs 8%
• Chop at 30-38% dry matter to ensure that correct fermentation will occur in the silo. Too much moisture = mold and spoilage. Too little moisture = poor fermentation
• I can test moisture content for you here at the Extension Office -
• Or you can test yourself with a microwave oven and kitchen scales: Using a Microwave to Determine Forage Moisture
• Nitrates can be much higher in drought-stressed corn, which can be harmful to animals. Nitrate levels are highest in the lower 1/3 of the stalk, but cutting higher will obviously reduce tonnage. The ensiling process can lower nitrates from 35-80%. Be sure to test nitrate levels before feeding.
• The closest lab to us in Coshocton County is
  Holmes Lab
  Millersburg, Ohio
  330-893-2933
• Once you have nitrate levels, check out this information to see the safest way to feed: Information from Bill Weiss, OSU Dairy Nutrition Specialist
•  More great information on drought-stressed corn for silage:
• Video from Steve Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist

Photo courtesy of University of Nebraska Extension