Harvesting silage

Harvesting at the correct moisture will be crucial for achieving good pack density. The whole plant moisture should be between 60 and 70%. Storage structure will impact what end of that range you want to be on.

• Bunkers or pit silo storage will need to have more moisture to ensure a very good pack.
• Bagging or upright silo storage can accommodate a little dryer material.

Chop length is also a factor. Ensuring chop length remains short is vital to a good pack and proper fermentation of the corn silage.

Determining moisture can sometimes be difficult in the field. One way is to look at the milkline on the corn kernel. A milkline ½ to ¾ the way down the kernel should indicate a whole plant moisture of 70 to 60%. If the corn has black layered, the whole plant moisture is likely under 60%. This may vary depending on hybrid.

Another good way to measure moisture in the field is to grab a handful of silage and attempt to make a ball.

• If the ball holds shape and there is a lot of free juice the silage is approximately 75% moisture.
• If the ball holds shape but there is little juice the moisture is likely 70-75%.
• If the ball falls apart slowly, the moisture is likely 60 to 70% moisture.
• When the silage will not make a ball for even a short period of time the moisture is poor and likely below 60%.

Target ¾ of the way down the kernel for the milkline. When starting the harvest, check the silage by grabbing a handful and attempting to make a ball. The correct moisture should make a ball that holds and falls apart slowly.

If your silage is out of the optimum for moisture, then look into adding an inoculant and potentially a sugar source. Bagging will result in a better chance at proper ensiling than ground piles or bunkers when moisture targets are missed.