Silos and safety - secrets to maximizing corn silage

Thursday, December 28, 2023

Ensuring safe and efficient corn silage feeding involves key considerations for farmers. Silage, a method reliant on anaerobic fermentation, converts plant carbs into acids, preserving material for future use. Harvested at the black layer stage, silage undergoes tight packing during chopping and storage, a critical process often handled by specialized crews.

While well-packed silage can be preserved for an extended period, the challenge arises during feeding. Silages with short particle lengths, proper compaction, and low porosity guarantee swift anaerobic fermentation, reducing face spoilage. Achieving ideal compaction, around 15 Lbs. per cubic foot, involves balancing crop dry matter content, chopping length, and delivery rate to the silo.

Once silage is exposed to oxygen, aerobic fermentation begins, leading to deterioration. Minimizing silage face exposure to air becomes crucial during feeding. Various methods can be employed based on storage conditions, daily use rate, available machinery, and operator skills.

The technique of silage extraction plays a pivotal role in minimizing exposed surface. While specific machinery like silage defacers, cutting frames, and shear buckets are beneficial, lack of such equipment necessitates reliance on operator skills. Removal of 6 to 8 inches daily from the entire face is recommended, even if excess, to maintain quality.

When considering equipment purchase, factors include potential material loss for aerobic fermentation, impact on cattle intake due to off flavors, the number of heads to be fed, feeding days per year, equipment maintenance, and operational considerations. Worker safety, especially in large silo bunkers, remains paramount due to the risk of collapse.

In summary, efficient corn silage feeding involves removing the required amount with a technique or gear that minimizes exposed surface. Cautious operation near the silo open face is imperative, emphasizing worker safety in the dynamic agricultural environment.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-chrisboswell