Packing Silage Like a Pro: Expert Advice on Preserving Feed Quality

As corn silage harvest gets closer, many producers overlook an important step in preserving feed quality and reducing losses: packing. According to South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist Sara Bauder, poor packing can lead to significant feed losses due to trapped air, which slows fermentation and gives heating and spoilage room to develop.

Bauder emphasizes the importance of testing whole-plant moisture before harvest to ensure proper packing. She notes that today's hybrids make it less dependable for estimating whole-plant moisture using the milk line method, which was previously used as a quick way to judge harvest timing.

Research has shown significant differences in whole-plant moisture among various hybrids at the same milk line level, ranging from 50% to over 70%. Bauder recommends taking time to test moisture and advises using the microwave method or consulting a feed store for accurate results.