Inspect it carefully and seal any cracks to keep air out. Check the condition of doors and make sure they are sound and fit tightly. Ensile crops at 50 - 68 percent moisture content. Check the moisture content with a moisture meter or use an oven-drying method to determine crop moisture content. You cannot accurately judge moisture content by sight or by touch.
Correct moisture is required for good feed.
Using a distributor will increase the amount of silage you can store by 10 percent by making full use of the silo. Even distribution also protects the structure and foundation from failure. Haylage can dry several percentage points in a short period of time on hot, sunny, breezy days. For example, alfalfa cut at 85 percent moisture can often be baled at 18 percent in two days. Any breakdowns or delays can allow the forage to dry too much for ensiling.