Packing Corn Silage: A Crucial Step in Maintaining Feed Quality

When harvesting corn silage, many farmers overlook an important step in maintaining feed quality: packing. According to Sara Bauder, a South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist, poor packing can lead to significant feed losses.

The key to proper packing is to ensure the crop is harvested at the right moisture level. Corn silage should be around 60-70% moisture at harvest, which is approximately three-quarters milk line. Bauder notes that using milk line as an indicator of whole-plant moisture is no longer reliable due to the variety of hybrids available.

To determine the optimal moisture level, farmers can test it before harvest. This involves cutting a plant and measuring its moisture content. Research has shown that some hybrids may have significantly different moisture levels even at the same milk line.