Corn Silage Dry Down Update: Week of September 27, 2022
With the help of Extension Educators across the state, we will monitor moisture levels of various hybrids as producers ready for silage harvest. Measurements for the week of September 27 are reported in the table below.
*For those hybrids where moisture has decreased below optimum levels, sampling has stopped. All moisture levels were taken with a Koster tester.
| County | Hybrid | Maturity | Planting Date | Moisture % - 8/30 | Moisture % - 9/4 | Moisture % - 9/13 | Moisture % - 9/19 | Moisture % - 9/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potter | Pioneer P8034 | 80 | 6/14/22 | 80% (8/27) | 80% | 70% (9/11) | 72% (9/18) | 70% (9/25) |
| Potter | 92 | 5/25/22 | 74% (8/27) | 75% | 70% (9/11) | 67% (9/18) | 66% (9/25) | |
| Lancaster | Pioneer | 111 | 6/9/22 | 68% | 63% | 60% | ||
| Lancaster | Pioneer | 103 | 6/20/22 | 75% | 68% | 65% |
Optimal moisture content for silage harvest varies slightly based on the structure used for storage. For maximum corn silage quality, use the following as a guide:
- Horizontal silos: 65-70%
- Tower silos: 63-68%
- Oxygen-limiting silos: 55-60%
- Bags: 65%
As individual hybrids dry down, silage moisture should be monitored to ensure optimal moisture content during harvest. To learn more about how to calculate your own moisture sample using a microwave oven, check out this video from Penn State Extension.
You may also be interested in ...
-
ArticlesSoybean Production in Pennsylvania
-
ArticlesWhat is Your Corn Fodder Worth?
-
ArticlesCorn Ear Rots and Mycotoxins
-
-
-
-
