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LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
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Updated: September 19, 2018
This year precautions may need to be taken when harvesting corn silage that is too dry. (Source: Penn State Extension)
Getting into the field at the proper time to chop silage can be a challenge, regardless of year and weather conditions, but with extreme wet conditions the challenges can multiply. If not monitored closely, corn can go from ideal moisture to too dry, increasing the risk of storage losses. After fields dry and equipment can safely enter, it is important to remember that corn is drying quickly as well. Silage harvested below the optimal moisture content can be difficult to pack and lead to a failure in excluding air to ensure proper fermentation, resulting in molding and heating of the forage, in turn reducing quality.
In the case of chopping silage that has become drier than the optimal moisture according to your storage facility, there are some management recommendations that can aid in ensuring proper fermentation and quality of your forage.
Corn silage samples collected in Southeastern PA show the progression of dry down at various farms and planting dates:
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