Drought-stressed corn, CRP have value
By RICKY ROBERTS
Marion County Extension Agent
This year the timing just didn't work for the corn. Heat and drought both were problems as 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 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 less tons. So here are some "rules of thumb" for valuing corn silage:
— Well-eared corn crop (35% dry matter):
Standing in edge of field: 6 to 6 1/2 times the price of a bushel of corn
Delivered to silo: 8 times the price of a bushel of corn
— Drought stressed Corn Crop (at 35% dry matter):
If the corn crop will yield 15-20 bu. 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 here, 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.
As we all know by now, CRP acres were released state wide this past week. This may give some producers additional options. First lets make sure we understand the rules. You can hay 50 percent and graze 75 percent of your CRP acreage. However, 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 like 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. Just two thoughts if you decide to hay:
— Go 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 four- to six-inch stubble height should allow for regrowth and soil cover.
As always if you have any thoughts on these or other subjects please call.
