Buying Corn Silage Out Of The Field
For farmers and livestock keepers, corn silage is an important feed ingredient. Corn silage is a high-quality, palatable feed for ruminants that is harvested and preserved in a moist, anaerobic environment. It is made by chopping the entire corn plant - stalks, leaves, cobs and grain - at a specific moisture content, packing it tightly into a silo, and allowing it to ferment for a period of time. Once fermented, it can be fed to cattle, sheep, goats and other livestock as a high-energy and nutritious feed.
Why Buy Corn Silage Out Of The Field?
Buying corn silage out of the field can be a great way to save money and ensure that you have a good supply of feed for your livestock. By purchasing corn silage directly from the farmer or grower, you can get a good price and avoid the hassle of having to harvest and preserve the crop yourself. Additionally, buying silage out of the field can give you more control over the quality of the silage by allowing you to visually inspect the crop before purchasing it.
However, buying corn silage out of the field requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that you get a good crop that meets your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying corn silage out of the field:
Check The Moisture Content
The moisture content of the corn silage is an important factor to consider when purchasing it out of the field. The ideal moisture content for corn silage is between 65% and 70%. If the moisture content is too low or too high, it can affect the quality of the silage and make it less nutritious for your livestock.
One way to check the moisture content of the silage is to use a moisture tester. This device measures the moisture content of the silage by inserting a probe into the silage and taking a reading. If a moisture tester is not available, you can also squeeze a handful of silage tightly in your hand. If the silage produces a lot of water, it is likely too wet. If it crumbles, it is likely too dry.
Inspect The Crop
When buying corn silage out of the field, it is important to visually inspect the crop before purchasing it. Look for signs of mold, spoilage, or damage from pests or weather. If there are any visible signs of damage or spoilage, it may not be worth the risk to purchase the crop.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the maturity of the corn plant. Mature corn plants have more grain and less leaves and stalks, which means they will produce higher quality silage. If the corn plant is too immature, there will be less grain and more leaves and stalks, which can lead to lower quality silage and less nutritional value for your livestock.
Consider The Price
The price of corn silage out of the field can vary depending on the quality of the crop, the size of the purchase, and other factors. When considering the price, it is important to weigh the cost savings against the potential risks of purchasing lower quality silage. In some cases, it may be worth it to pay a higher price for higher quality silage that is safer and more nutritious for your livestock.
Transportation and Storage
Transporting and storing corn silage out of the field can also be a challenge. It is important to have a plan in place for transporting the silage from the field to your storage site, as well as a plan for storing the silage safely and effectively. Additionally, it is important to have the right equipment on hand to handle the silage, such as a silage trailer or a forage chopper.
When storing corn silage, it is important to pack it tightly into a silo or other storage container to prevent air from getting in and causing spoilage. The silage should be covered and stored in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and spoilage.
Conclusion
Buying corn silage out of the field can be a great way to save money and get high quality feed for your livestock. However, it requires careful consideration and planning to ensure that you get a good crop that meets your needs. By checking the moisture content, inspecting the crop, considering the price, and planning for transportation and storage, you can make sure that you get the best possible corn silage for your livestock.
