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

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I just returned from a week-long conference in Charleston, SC for the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA.) The conference was full of great research and presentations from Agricultural Extension Educators all across the country. I attended a presentation about starting a blog, and it was just the boost I needed to jump right in. (Thanks to Tonya Ashworth from University of Tennessee Extension.)

I have titled my blog "Feeding Coshocton and the World," because we have a diverse interest in agriculture here in Coshocton County. As your extension educator it is my pleasure to develop educational programming opportunities for all aspects of agriculture. From a local to a global scale, it is all important to our community and our economy.

A highlight of the conference for me was the Professional Improvement Tour day. I chose a topic I knew absolutely nothing about - Cotton Bales and Peanut Shells. Soon I'll be posting photos and videos from that very educational tour of three large peanut and cotton operations as well as a peanut processing & storage facility (imagine Coshocton Grain full of peanuts...)

One topic that was on everyone's mind is the drought. Please visit http://agnr.osu.edu/managing-drought-2012 to learn about the best ways to make it through this tough season. And take a moment to let us know your thoughts on how this summer compares to the drought of 1988 by taking the poll.

Now it's good to be home reenergized with lots of great ideas for educational programs. Look for details in the next few weeks about Agronomy School and Annie's Project (for women in agriculture.)