Moisture Test For CNY Corn Fields Indicates It’s Time To Harvest – AG Matters

A recent check of CNY corn fields indicates it's harvest time.  Cornell Cooperative Extension's Jeff Miller says his sampling shows harvesting will be ahead of schedule this year.

Farmers know that it is important to harvest corn for silage at a moisture suited to their storage: 65-70% moisture for bunks, 60-68% moisture for silo bags and 62-67% for upright silos depending on the size.

There was a corn silage moisture testing event held at Richardson’s Farm in Vernon Center Thursday, September 10; a collaborative effort of Mycogen and Cooperative Extension. 17 samples were brought in for testing, several of which were from out of our area.

The results for local samples:

• 3 samples from Kirkland of 105-109 day BMR hybrids planted in early May: ranged in moisture from 70-71%.
• 3 samples from Cassville 97 day – 109 day BMR hybrids planted in early May: ranged from 68-74% moisture.
• 1 sample from Augusta a 97 day conventional hybrid planted in early May was 66% moisture.

Most growers who have planted 95 day conventional hybrids can expect that their corn is at harvest moisture now.

SOURCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension - Jeff Miller