Richard M. Klemme, Agricultural Economist from the University of Wisconsin recently reported that the overall economic comparison of corn silage to alfalfa favors corn silage, primarily because of the differences in dry matter yield. With herd numbers increasing faster than crop acres, it's little wonder that expanding dairy farmers are increasing corn silage acreage at the expense of alfalfa. 1 Fluctuating milk production is common when dairy producers transition from last year's crop to new crop-corn silage. Management goals from corn silage should be aimed at maximizing milk production and minimizing production swings between different silages. All factors affecting corn silage production must be considered to achieve optimum milk production potential.
Hybrid selection is one of the most important management decisions in corn silage production.
Once in the silo, proper feedout rates must be followed to minimize bunklife problems that often causes good silage to go bad. Nutritionists and producers must realize that quality differences do exist in corn silage. Attempts should be made to recognize the differences, including maturity at harvest, whether the silage was processed, starch content, and whether the hybrid is a specialty corn such as brown midrib, leafy, or high oil. Corn silages known to have different feeding characteristics should be segregated to permit nutritional adjustments. The incorporation of bagged silos allows segregation not possible with large bunker systems where all types of silage are mixed together.