Weather hasn’t helped corn this year, but has led to CRP options

ORIGINALLY WRITTEN RICKY ROBERTS-KSU EXTENSION
This year the weather just didn’t lend itself to a good corn crop.

Heat and drought were both problems. Some of the corn simply did not pollinate, other fields are looking pretty tough and silage may be the best option.

So the question is: What is the value of drought-stressed corn silage compared to silage of normal years?

The feeding value of drought-stressed corn silage can vary, but is likely 75 percent to 95 percent of normal silage, if properly ensiled. In drought-stressed years the plant will have less grain and forage, so the actual feeding value is similar, but there will be fewer tons.

Here are some “rules of thumb” for valuing corn silage:

-?well-eared corn crop (35 percent dry matter):

– standing in edge of field: 6 to 6.5 x the price for a bushel of corn;

-?Delivered to silo: 8 x price for a bushel of corn;

– Drought-stressed corn crop (at 35 percent dry matter):

If the corn crop will yield 15 to 20 bushels per acre, assume 90 percent value. So using the figures above, take 90 percent of the well-eared value for pricing drought-stressed corn.

One final note: Drought-stressed plants can accumulate nitrates. Typically during the ensilage process, we will lose about 50 percent of the nitrates. However, it would still be wise to do a nitrate test once it ferments.

CRP acres. As we all know by now, CRP acres were released statewide last week. This may give some producers additional options.

First, make sure you understand the rules. You can hay 50 percent and graze 75 percent of your CRP acreage. But you must pay back 25 percent on the acreage you use. You can sell the hay but not to anyone with resale intentions. If you graze you must be off by Aug. 31.

With these rules, haying certainly appears to be the best option. This leads to questions of value, quality and yield. All three are going to vary greatly-too many factors to discuss here.

Two thoughts if you decide to hay:

-?Cut it as soon as possible. We need to leave as much time as possible for the plant to recover before dormancy.

-?Don’t cut it too short. Leaving a 4 to 6-inch stubble height should allow for regrowth and soil cover.

As always, if you have any thoughts on these or other subjects- please call.

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