A field of corn

Corn field, Image credit: Niraj Suresh

Updated: September 3, 2024
By Niraj Suresh , and Fabiana F Cardoso

Considerations when Harvesting Corn

Corn is a major feedstuff for all livestock species. Unlike other industries such as swine and poultry, dairy farmers often use the entire plant by making whole plant corn silage. Today, harvesting is a highly mechanized process. Farmers use corn harvesters, specialized machines that chop the corn. In this article, we will talk about things to consider when harvesting corn to make silage.

Considerations:

Type of Forage Harvester

There are 2 main types of forage harvesters, pull-type harvesters and self propelled harvesters. Pull type harvesters require a separate power unit to operate, self propelled do not. Self propelled harvesters are generally viewed as more efficient and easier to use, whereas self propelled are more versatile and cost much less. Farm size will play a major role in what harvester works best.

Theoretical Length of Cut

The theoretical length of cut (TLOC) isa unit that describes how long the harvester will make the pieces of shredded corn plant or “chop” when harvesting. A longer chop increases fiber content whereas a shorter chop is better for proper ensiling regarding air infiltration. For corn, the general recommendation for TLOC is 1/2 to 3/4 inches.

Kernel Processor

Kernel processors in corn harvesters are rollers that crush and shear the corn as it passes through. The space in between can be configured depending on your goals. Settings generally range for 0.03 to 0.12 inches. Speed differentials generally range from 10% to 40%. Kernel processors should be checked often and well maintained to ensure quality silage.

Field Capacity and Efficiency

Field capacity is the area a machine harvests per area of operation. Field efficiency refers to the time a machine is harvesting. Considering these can allow you to assess how long it will take to harvest your corn and compare your harvester to others.

Harvester Technology

Modern harvesters are outfitted with amazing technologies. These include inoculant application systems, automated machine guidance, and forage quality sensors measuring details such as moisture. It is up to the farmer to decide what is essential to them, as increased technology will lead to increased price.

Cutting Height

Research has indicated that increasing the cutting height of corn can increase the nutritional value. High cut corn sees increases in dry matter, crude protein, and starch with a decrease in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). This can allow for an increased proportion of forage opposed to corn grain in the TMR which is more affordable for the farmer.

Whole plant corn silage is a major part of most dairy rations. Ensuring the corn is harvested correctly is necessary to be able for correctly ensiling the corn as well as the digestibility once the silage is made. This will allow for better herd health, milk production, and profitability of the farm.

References

  1. Lawrence, J. (2022). Corn Silage: From Seed to Feed. Hoard and Sons.
  2. Cherney et al. (2021). Does Your Corn Pass the Silage Harvest Test?. Hoards Dairymen. https://hoards.com/article-30772-does-your-corn-pass-the-silage-harvest-test.html
  3. De Freitas Cardoso, Fabiana. (2022). Feed and Feeding Strategies to Alleviate Common Challenges in Dairy Cattle Nutrition. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Animal Sciences
  4. Whitney et al. (2023). Pasture and Forage Minute: Corn Silage Harvest and Storage, Rejuvenating Thin Alfalfa. University of Nebraska Lincoln Cropwatch. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2023/pasture-and-forage-minute-corn-silage-harvest-and-storage-rejuvenating-thin-alfalfa
  5. Arvalis. (2016). Raising maize whole plant cutting height allows getting a better nutritive value for the harvested forage. Dairy Global. https://www.dairyglobal.net/general/the-effect-of-maize-cutting-height-on-cows/
Grain truck collecting harvested corn.
Image credit: University of Maryland Extension
Tractor harvesting corn
Image credit: Arvalis
Corn field with tractor harvesting corn
Image credit: Nebraska Lincoln Cropwatch

This article appears on September 2024, in Volume 5, Issue 2, of the Maryland Milk Moos newsletter.

Maryland Milk Moo's, September 2024, Vol. 5, Issue 2

Maryland Milk Moos is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that focuses on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

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