September 16, 2019
The cool, wet extended planting season had many challenges, although some of our biggest challenges may still be ahead. The fall harvest will soon be upon us as we prepare combines to roll and the grain carts full of corn start moving. Let’s think about the effects late-planted corn can have on storage management.
Late-planted corn can have many issues that can affect the grain quality and length of grain storage. Below is a short table for review:
| Molds/Toxins | Grain development is occurring later than normal, exposing it to more fungal pressure. |
Insect Damage |
Changing normal insect feeding periods can add to molds, toxins and reduced grain quality. |
Mechanical Damage |
Softer grain caps can result from a shorter grain-fill period, resulting in more kernels that are split, cracked and have more fines. |
Grain Quality |
Overall grain quality can be reduced due to a later than normal planting period and conditions. |
Test Weight (TW) |
TW benefits from a long grain-fill period. Early frost and a short grain-fill period can reduce TW. |
Cool, Wet Fall Weather |
Slows both the drying process in the field and at the bin site. More fuel is required to dry grain. |
Slow Drying in Field |
Sets the harvest back, can increase lodging and harvest losses. |
No Drying System |
Corn stays in the field longer or is subject to docking for high moisture content at the elevator. |
Key points to keep in mind when making decisions about corn storage management:
- Grain should be segregated by overall quality and test weight. Store the highest-quality grain in bins for fewer problems.
- Substandard should be taken at harvest to the elevator - they have the equipment to keep it maintained.
- Grain stored in bins should be managed and monitored to help avoid docking and to help maximize potential profits.
Drydown, grain quality, standability and test weight can all vary by specific seed products and can vary year to year based upon topography, location and local weather. Your nearest Channel Seedsman is a good resource to help sort these variables out and maximize yield potential on your farm.
For additional grain storage information, please see Channel® Agronomy ADVICE, Grain Storage for Corn and Soybean. https://www.channel.com/en-us/agronomy/grain-storage-for-corn-and-soybean.html
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Performance may vary, from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields.
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