Is That Corn Worth More as Silage or Grain?

Is That Corn Worth More as Silage or Grain?

Ongoing drought conditions are supporting hay and forage prices. While eastern parts of Nebraska had a good first cutting of hay, subsequent cuttings have been less. Areas further west haven't fared so well. Sandhills meadows will likely average less production than last year and yields will be below long term averages. Annual forages harvested for hay will be down as well due to lack of moisture in June and July.

Nationally there are sufficient stocks of corn and the current crop in much of the Corn Belt is estimated to be adequate to support December corn futures trading either side of $4.00 per bushel. With the basis differences in Nebraska, a statewide average price is in the area of $3.50 per bushel of corn. With harvested forage supplies being tight in much of Nebraska, harvesting corn for silage may be of interest this year, especially with fields that are drought stressed.

When evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or grain, the issue of how to price and value the corn is often a point of uncertainty. Pricing corn silage can be a complex and highly variable process. There are three points in time where corn silage is often priced.

Corn for Corn Silage Standing in the Field

University of Nebraska-Lincoln research has shown that corn silage priced standing in the field before harvest should be at valued at 7.65 x the price per bushel of corn where a ton of corn silage is harvested at 60-65% moisture. This multiplier value is consistent regardless of corn price. Corn at $3.50 bu. x 7.65 = $26.78 per ton in the field.

Corn Silage Packed in the Silo

Harvest, hauling and packing expenses can vary. The 2016 Farm Custom Rates – Part II survey showed a range of $7-10 per ton with the most common rate being charged at $10 per ton. At $26.78 per ton plus $10 per ton for harvesting, hauling and packing equals $36.78 per ton in the silo. When $2 per ton is added for storage expense the price per ton is $38.78.

Corn Silage Delivered in the Bunk

Corn silage due to the ensiling process will experience shrink and dry matter loss from 10-20% or more when silage is packed into the silo till it is removed to be fed. With 10% dry matter shrink the value of silage delivered to the bunk would be $43.08 per ton. If the shrink loss is 20%, than the value of silage would be $48.48 per ton.

Comparing corn silage under current market conditions to other feed resources can be helpful in evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or as grain. When comparing nutrients in feeds to one another, they should be compared on a price per pound on a dry matter basis consumed by the cattle. This takes into account all waste loss and expense. The following examples are compared to one another on a price per pound of TDN (energy) on a dry matter basis delivered to the bunk.

  • Corn silage priced at $43.08 per ton that is 35% dry matter and has a TDN value of 72% on a dry matter basis would cost $.085 per pound of TDN.
  • Corn silage priced at $48.48 per ton that is 35% dry matter and has a TDN value of 72% on a dry matter basis would cost $.096 per pound of TDN.
  • Wet distillers grains plus solubles at $50 per ton delivered that is 35% dry matter, has a TDN of 108% on a dry matter basis and shrinks 5% would cost $.069 per pound of TDN.
  • Corn priced at $3.50 per bushel and has a TDN value of 88% on a dry matter basis would cost $0.081 per pound of TDN.
  • Grass hay priced at $90 per ton and has a TDN value of 53% on a dry matter basis would cost $0.095 on a dry matter basis.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether to harvest corn for grain or for silage. Both methods of harvest have advantages and disadvantages depending upon an operations goals and objectives. Tight forage supplies in many parts of Nebraska combined with current corn market conditions may heighten the attractiveness of harvesting corn for silage this year. For more information on harvesting, storing and feeding corn silage, see the video presentations from the 2016 Silage for Beef Cattle Conference.

The nutrient or fertilizer value of manure from cattle fed corn silage should also be taken into account in determining the value of corn silage. In operations where the nutrient value from manure is utilized with cropping systems, this manure value should be credited back against the cost of the corn silage. A recent article in the Progressive Forage Magazine titled "Silage pricing: Did you account for the manure?" highlights this topic.

Drought Stressed Corn for Silage

Harvesting drought stressed corn as silage may be an option to salvage the crop and also produce needed forage. Producers considering harvesting drought stressed corn should also evaluate the impact of doing so to future crop production.  In the July 28 issue of CropWatch, Bob Klein addresses this topic in an article "Should You Hay or Cut Silage from Drought-Damaged Corn Fields?"

The quality of drought stressed corn silage can vary but is usually 85-95% the energy value of regular corn silage.  With drought stressed corn, caution should be used in harvesting if high nitrates are present.  Ensiling can reduce nitrates by 40-60%. For more information on feeding and pricing drought damaged corn silage, please see the article Options for Drought Damaged Corn Fields and the NebGuide "The Use and Pricing of Drought Stressed Corn" (G1865).

 

Latest News

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.

How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains
How Ranchers can Feel More Energized and Reduce their Aches and Pains

We can’t care for our livestock, resources and families without caring for ourselves first. That seems even harder during the busy seasons, but it isn’t impossible and even one thing a day makes a difference.

Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows
Profit Tracker: Packer/Feeder Margin Spread Grows

Last week’s rally to new record prices pushed packer and feeder margins in opposite directions. Pork producer margins continue higher with prices now above year ago.

Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations
Spring Forward Horse Health with Vaccinations

As horses are exposed to the environment, wildlife and mosquitoes that transmit the five core equine diseases, it’s important to follow the core equine disease vaccination protocol.