SITUATION

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

• Recommended whole-plant moisture content for silage hybrids (see Tables 1 and 2)
• Storage type
• Accurate measurement of whole-plant moisture
• Harvest start and end dates
• Desired fermentation pattern

ACTION PLAN

1. Plan for silage harvest. A general rule of thumb is to begin harvest when the kernels reach one-third to one-half milkline and to finish before the kernels are at two-thirds milkline. However, because of the individual characteristics of hybrids, this method is not always an accurate indicator of harvest timing. More satisfactory results will be obtained by harvesting at the moisture percentage that ensures the desired fermentation pattern in the storage type that will be used.
2. Calculate moisture levels. There are several methods available to determine wholeplant moisture levels. Two common devices used are Koster testers and microwave ovens. The Koster tester is a portable, forced air, electric drying unit. Silage samples take about a half-hour to dry to receive an accurate moisture level reading. The microwave oven also allows forage moisture readings to be achieved accurately and easily.
3. Determine chop length. Silage harvesting equipment should be set to attain the desired chop length. This is called theoretical length of cut (TLC). See Table 3 for length recommendations. Particle size at harvest will be affected by knife sharpness, harvest speed, shear bar setting and crop moisture. Drier materials need to be cut shorter to ease packing.
4. Pack harvested material. Proper packing provides the anaerobic environment necessary for effective fermentation to occur. Silage that is more densely packed will have reduced dry matter loss and higher feeding quality than silage less densely packed. It also is important to adequately cover stored silage to reduce or prevent spoilage.

SUMMARY