drought effects on silage & chu update

With the dry weather, stalks are drying faster than cobs, which may accelerate kernel dry-down, so close monitoring is critical to avoid missing the optimal harvest window. Our goal for bunk silage is 35-38% dry matter, ideally at ½ to ¾ milk line, though we may target closer to ½ milk line this year based on overall plant dry matter. With drier plants, aim for a shorter chop length (we have customers targeting 8-12 mm for 35% dry matter silage) to optimize packing and feed intake. As dry matter nears 40%, select the finer end of this range

The below photos are from client’s silage field. These photos show cobs at about ¼ milk line, while the stalks have a very white, Styrofoam-like pith.

As for CHU’s we are roughly 5 days ahead of last year currently, but with the drier weather we have seen especially in some areas I think this has pushed us ahead a bit more. 

To ensure optimal silage timing, check fields, stalks, and cobs, and dry down samples for an accurate baseline. Bring samples to us or contact your sales rep, and we’ll help you harvest at the ideal stage for next year’s feed.