A and E. Traditionally, most farmers would begin chopping corn silage around September 15. Observations over the last 4 years indicate drydown rates between years vary dramatically. Farmers who chop their own corn silage and those who hire custom operators often have the dilemma of predicting when a field will be ready to chop. Below are a few suggestions for predicting when to begin harvest. Good communication with a custom operator is essential as harvest date draws near.
Environment significantly influences the rate of drydown and start date for silage harvest.
Wet cool weather will slow drydown rate while hot, dry weather will speed drydown rate. Table 1 describes the rates of drydown observed in various Wisconsin counties since 1996. The silage production years of 1998 and 1999 were above normal for heat accumulation and were characterized as rapid drydown years for both grain and silage in numerous counties. Select and plant hybrids that vary in maturity. This helps spread the risk associated with plant stress during pollination.