Corn Silage Yield Calculator

Calculate corn silage yield potential, optimize harvest timing, and maximize feed quality for livestock operations.

🌽 High Yield • 🚜 Optimal Timing • 🐄 Quality Feed

Field Configuration

Field Dimensions

Length:

Width:

Total area: 3.0 hectares

Corn Variety

Maturity Group

Planting Details

Row Spacing (cm):

Plant Population:

plants/ha

Environmental Conditions

Climate Zone:

Soil Type:

Harvest Stage

Moisture Content

Plant Moisture: 65%

Too Dry (55%) Optimal (65%) Too Wet (80%)

Management Practices

Irrigation System Optimal Fertilization Pest Management Cover Crop Previous Year

Weather Conditions

Growing Season Rainfall (mm):

Average Temperature (°C):

Field Layout Preview

Silage Yield Results

0 t/ha

Fresh Weight

0 t/ha

Dry Matter

0 tonnes

Total Fresh

0 tonnes

Total Dry Matter

Crop Analysis

Yield Factors

Variety: -

Maturity: -

Harvest Stage: -

Plant Population: -

Field Metrics

Field Area: -

Row Spacing: -

Moisture Content: -

Dry Matter %: -

Feed Quality Assessment

Energy Content

0 MJ/kg

Metabolizable Energy

Protein Content

Crude Protein (DM basis)

Digestibility

In Vitro Digestibility

Economic Analysis

Production Costs

Seed Cost: $0

Fertilizer Cost: $0

Harvest Cost: $0

Total Cost: $0

Feed Value

Feed Value per Tonne: $0

Total Feed Value: $0

Cost per Tonne DM: $0

Net Value: $0

Harvest Recommendations

Timing Guidelines

Quality Tips

Yield Progression Throughout Season

Corn Silage Production Guide

Why Corn Silage Matters

Corn silage is a high-energy forage crop that provides excellent feed value for dairy and beef cattle. Proper timing of harvest and management practices can significantly impact both yield and quality, directly affecting livestock performance and farm profitability.

Optimal Harvest Timing

🌽 1/2 Milk Line

65-70% Moisture

Optimal for most situations. Good balance of yield, quality, and ensiling characteristics.

🌾 3/4 Milk Line

60-65% Moisture

Higher starch content, good for high-producing dairy cows. May need moisture adjustment.

🌱 Black Layer

55-60% Moisture

Maximum starch, but lower digestibility. Risk of poor fermentation if too dry.

Variety Selection

Leafy Varieties

• Higher fiber digestibility
• More leaf area for photosynthesis
• Better for dairy operations
• Slightly lower starch content

Conventional Varieties

• Higher grain-to-stover ratio
• Maximum starch content
• Good for beef operations
• Traditional plant architecture

Factors Affecting Yield

Agronomic Factors

Plant population and spacing
Soil fertility and pH
Nitrogen availability
Water management

Environmental Factors

Growing degree days
Rainfall distribution
Temperature stress
Soil type and drainage

Quality Factors

Energy

Starch content increases with maturity
Fiber digestibility decreases over time

Protein

7-9% crude protein typical
Higher in leafy varieties

Fiber

NDF 40-50% of dry matter
Digestibility key factor

Ensiling Process

Chop length: 10-19mm for proper packing and processing
Pack immediately to exclude oxygen
Achieve proper density: 15-18 lbs DM/cubic foot
Cover and seal within 24 hours
Allow 21-day fermentation before feeding
Monitor temperature during fermentation

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your field dimensions and select appropriate units
Choose corn variety and maturity group for your region
Set planting details including row spacing and population
Select environmental conditions and soil type
Choose harvest stage and adjust moisture content
Indicate management practices used
Click "Calculate Silage Yield" for detailed projections
Review quality assessment and economic analysis
Follow harvest recommendations for optimal results