Illinois has experienced a challenging growing season with late planting of corn and soybeans due to excessive rain, delayed harvest of first cutting legume and grass, and a cool summer (slows plant growth). Several opportunities/challenges may occur this fall which are summarized below. Hopefully, livestock producers will not need these answers.

Question: If the corn crop does not mature, what alternatives are possible?

Answer: For livestock producers, corn silage is an excellent alternative for immature corn due to delaying spring plant due to rain and cool summer temperatures. Allow the corn crop to grow and mature until a killing frost has occurred. Depending on ear fill, the quality and quantity of the corn silage will vary. A key point is to harvest at 30 to 35 percent (bunker or bag storage) or 33 to 37 percent (tower silos) dry matter to achieve optimal fermentation and minimize seepage. If the corn plant is too wet to harvest, wait for a killing frost to allow the plant moisture content to drop to 65 to 70 percent water (may require 3 to 7 days). Adding an inoculant can improve forage quality, dry matter recovery, and fermentation profile. If the livestock producer is purchasing the immature corn as silage, be sure to adjust for moisture content (do not buy water) and quality (based on the level of starch and neutral detergent fiber or NDF content). Nitrate levels may increase in the frost damaged plants, but ensiling and fermenting the corn silage will reduce nitrate levels 50 percent or more (below 4500 parts per million or ppm). If nitrate content is a concern, test the silage after ensiling. Do not pasture immature corn after a killing frost as animals may consume new regrowth high in nitrate risk. Green chopping frosted corn can increase nitrate toxicity risks.

High moisture corn grain is another alternative if the corn grain is too wet and expensive to dry.

• Harvest high moisture shelled corn can be harvested at 26 to 30 percent dry matter.
• High moisture ear corn can harvested at 28 to 34 percent moisture.
• Snaplage (ear, husk, and some plant material) can be harvested at 35 to 40 percent moisture.

Adding an inoculant is recommended when storing high moisture grain. If wet corn storage is in upright storage units, select the lower moisture level; bunkers or bags should be near the higher moisture range.

Question: Can immature soybeans be fed as forage?

Answer: Immature soybean plants will be similar in feed quality as alfalfa forage in protein, energy, and mineral content. The optimal stage of harvest is at pod formation and before leaves begins to drop to get an optimal quality and quantity (if the plant can reach this point). Cut and wilt the soybean plant to the same moisture level as haylage. Yields of dry matter will vary depending on plant density and maturity (typically 1 to 1.5 tons of dry matter per acre). Purchase the immature soybean forage based on similar alfalfa forage prices. If seeds are beginning to develop, the forage quality will be declining, but the green seed has added fat and feed value (avoid losing the seed when cutting and crimping). If a killing frost is predicted, cut the soybean to avoid leaf loss. If you are purchasing immature soybeans, base the price on tons of dry matter harvested and forage quality (run a forage test). Making hay will be difficult due to the high moisture content of the plant and poor drying conditions. Again, add a forage inoculants to enhance fermentation.

Question: Can I harvest legume/grass forage in November?

Answer: Wisconsin researchers recommend a "last" cutting of alfalfa can be done if the plant will not try to start regrowth reducing root reserves of nutrients. The University of Illinois South Dairy Farm has taken late cuttings in mid November. Alfalfa silage was stored in bags (the alfalfa silage was difficult to dry above 40 percent dry matter). Cutting height was higher with four inches of stubble to catch snow and reduce ice sheet risks. Higher soil fertility levels (especially potassium) can minimize winter kill risk. Silage harvested under cool to cold conditions may not ferment well and should be fed before warmer temperatures in spring. The silage may appear green in color (similar to fresh alfalfa).