Drought-Stricken North Dakota Farmers Weigh Options for Corn Crops

North Dakota corn producers are facing tough decisions due to the extreme drought conditions in the region. With hot and dry weather expected to continue through 2026, many farmers must choose whether to harvest their crops for grain or chop them for silage.

Ron Haugen, a farm management specialist with North Dakota State University Extension, has been receiving questions from producers about determining the value of standing corn. 'What is the value of standing corn if it is chopped for silage and used for feed?' is a common question he's heard.

To help producers make informed decisions, NDSU Extension has updated a publication on determining the value of a standing corn crop for silage. The revised document includes current values and procedures, and can be found at ndsu.ag/corn-silage-26.

The university's specialists have also developed a silage decision tool, a downloadable Excel spreadsheet that allows producers to input their own numbers from their operations. This tool includes features for adjusting the corn silage price and estimating yield calculations.