17 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | September 2024 ber is much more likely to be closer to one per cent. Since the conversion of kernel milk to starch is the largest driver of the drop in plant moisture, we can safely assume that we are gaining about 0.5% to one per cent of starch. If we know the weather, the harvester’s schedule, and have confidence in our ability to store our corn silage crop, we can wait two to three days to harvest our silage and capture 1.5% to three per cent more starch. This good energy source for our herd will have a direct impact on our feed costs by reducing our need to bring in energy from elsewhere, whether that is buying some in or allowing us to sell more of our onfarm corn. An important thing to watch when we harvest our silage is our kernel processing success. Our increased starch content will not matter if we do not “unlock it” for the rumen to access. Previous standards would have said that “knicking” the kernel was sufficient to allow the cow to capture that starch, but more modern research from institutions like the University of Wisconsin would state that we need to be much more aggressive. When viewing a feed test, a score of 70 per cent on our Corn Silage Processing Score (CSPS) metric is the new target. A quick in-field test to gauge our work on kernel processing is to take a one-litre harvested silage sample and examine the number of whole or half kernels present. If the number is greater than four, we have room for improvement. Ensuring we have a sufficient roller differential, sharp knives and an acceptable product intake rate through the processor are all things we can quickly check and tweak to improve our kernel processing. Finally, adding a silage inoculant helps reduce fermentation losses while improving nutritional qualities. Make sure you do your homework on silage inoculants. Not all inoculants are created equal, and specific inoculants will assist with unique needs in your farm operation (for example, reducing bunk heating at feed out while minimizing losses at the bunker face). In summary, silage hybrid selection and management are key to producing top-notch feed for your dairy operation. By focusing on hybrid selection tailored to local conditions, precise crop management strategies, optimal harvest timing, and quality preservation techniques, producers can enhance both yield and nutritional value, supporting healthier and more productive dairy herds. Here is hoping you have a safe and productive silage harvest season. BF managing corn Silage PAUL HERMANS Paul Hermans, CCA-ON is an area agronomist in Eastern Ontario with Corteva Agriscience.
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