Avoid fields or areas with slopes greater than 5%. Do corn stalks keep producing after the first harvest, Why does corn only produce one to two ears per stalk, How long does ripe corn last on the stalk, Best uses for dead cornstalks after harvest, How to fix small vegetables and prevent stunted growth. The light-colored, forest-derived soils in the eastern Corn Belt contain about half the organic matter as Minnesotas dark, prairie-derived soils. With these nutritional values, diets will likely need to consist of additional protein, likely in the form of distillers grains. For every 40 bu/ac of corn, approximately one ton of residue is produced. In: Integrated crop management. It also keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation and it traps snow on the field. On the other hand, if you grow continuous corn with moldboard plow tillage, the amount of corn residue that needs to be retained is about 0.84 tons per acre less than that produced with a 200 bushel corn crop. Factors like erosion control, soil health impacts, and other ecosystem services are hard to calculate and could potentially raise the cost per ton quite a bit depending on how you value them. Successful Farming's Editorial Guidelines, "The big thing is beefier, heavier-duty components to handle the dirt and dust contamination," says Reis. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Vagts, T. (2005). Figuring out the true value of cornstalk bales can be a bit tricky, but breaking down the costs can help it make sense. Corn stalk bales can provide much needed feed over the winter. To read his calculations for valuing corn stalk bales verses grazing corn residue, click here. This was consistent for both chisel plow and no-tillage systems. This value can serve as a breakeven price when deciding to purchase corn residue bales to change feed rations versus using a traditional hay ration. This opportunity cost of buying or selling on the market should also be considered as we make crop production and feeding decisions. Valuing corn stalk bales | TheFencePost.com This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Because of the small amount of residue, it would be hard to uniformly remove it. The University of Nebraska has a new NebGuide for calculating the value of cornstalks. 2020. What value should be put on cornstalk bales? Irrigation, carbon amelioration, nitrogen, and stover removal effects on continuous corn.https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2414&context=agronomyfacpub, Agronomy Journal112:25062518. Do you have enough on hand to get you through winter and spring? This simple calculation doesnt factor it in simply because of the fact that distances and thus cost will differ dramatically depending on where you are located. This leaves 0.84 tons of corn residue per acre (20 percent of the total residue production) that could be annually harvested, but this would require a 200 bushel yield level every year. If you harvest five or six round bales per acre, that's between $75 and $100 per acre in nutrients leaving the field with the stalks. In most years farmers were mainly concerned with the value of Phosphorous and Potassium that would be lost from their field if the stover was removed. Farmers will also have more ears on the edges of fields because of more sunshine and more room in the end rows. Leaf nodes in the center of the stalk have the ability for these shanks to expand. How many tons or bales of corn stalks can a person expect to get from average corn. But things may change under the right circumstances. This allows for more overall production and the harvesting of more bushels of corn per acre. Adjusted to last spring's fertilizer prices, that's about $26 in nutrients per ton of stalks. Thus, cornstalk bales are usually ground, reducing the value to the end user by $10-15 per ton. Cheap Vs. Baling Corn Residue Extension is a Division of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln cooperating with the Counties and the United States Department of Agriculture. Cows fed these bales should do very well up until calving with just corn stalk bales and adequate protein supplement. Rees, Jenny, Marty Schmer, and Charles Wortmann. New round and square balers from New Holland, 10 penny-pinching tips for feeding cows this winter, Maryland farmers face a perfect storm for head scab on wheat, Short corn could improve management and increase yields, Maximize your winter feeding strategy with bale grazing, Stressed Out: How Kinze fixed the 86-Series Deere, 7 machinery insights from XtremeAg farmers. According a recent Natural Resources Conservation Service worksheet, custom baling costs about $11.50 per large round bale. If mixed hay is going for $150 per ton (as fed) and dry distillers grain at $200 per ton (as fed), the stalk value would be 1.16 x $150 (hay value) minus 0.22 x $200 (distillers grain value), which comes out to $130 per ton. But Reis says on the cornstalk baler, there's a cradle that will rotate each bale 90-degrees so when you pick it off the field, you won't bounce over the other stalks. Consider the nutrients removed in the residue, in addition to the harvesting costs. While there are always additional variables and costs to consider, a quick comparison shows that this year, even with fertilizer prices up, corn stalk bales may be a reasonable option to explore. Using manure as an amelioration treatment in that study increased both the grain yield and the grain nitrogen content when residue was removed (Schmer, et al.). Total number of ovules ranges from about 750 to 1000 per ear. In comparison, only 19 percent of the corn residue could be sustainably harvested with a moldboard plow tillage system in continuous corn. How much maize you get will rely mainly on how you take care of the crop. This value can serve as a breakeven price when deciding to purchase corn residue bales to change feed rations versus using a traditional hay ration. "Producers should scout fields for ear drop or down corn areas, as a significant amount of grain loss in fields can cause acidosis or founder in animals. . What value should be put on baling corn residue? There are several ways to say if its time for corn harvesting. This makes cob harvest a sustainable practice in more cropping systems than residue harvest. With these nutritional values, diets will likely need to consist of additional protein, probably in the form of distillers grains. Regents of the University of Minnesota. Copyright 2023. "That hay would've cost me anywhere from $12,000 to $13,000. Cows fed these lower quality bales will need some extra energy, too. Thirty-six studies over 239 site-years showed a 3% average yield increase when residue was removed versus not removed, in locations where water was not a limiting factor. With the high prices of traditional forages and the need for cellulosic material for ethanol production, farmers can make an extra buck-or-two selling cornstalk bales. Grazing Corn Stalks with Beef Cattle - Penn State Extension This is above the cost weve calculated to produce a bale, so by not selling, an additional $1-37 is left sitting on the table. Factors like erosion control, soil health impacts and other ecosystem services are hard to calculate and could potentially raise the cost per ton quite a bit depending on how you value them. Dec. 7, 2017, Corn Stover Removal: Nutrient value of stover and impacts on soil properties. Nutrient removal when harvesting corn stover. In the last couple of years, Ive worked on multiple farms around the world, talked to lots of hobby growers, and started growing my own crops. Texas cotton crop outlook uncertain - AgriLife Today Corn varieties used today by farmers have been chosen and developed for high densities. Still, somewhere in September, the maize usually prepares to begin the fall harvest. Factors like erosion control, soil health impacts and other ecosystem services are hard to calculate and could potentially raise the cost per ton quite a bit depending on how you value them. 2008 Iowa farm custom rate survey. of dry matter husk and leaf per acre are available as feed. Additionally, from a feed perspective, unless a cheaper alternative is available, the value of a cornstalk bale may be hard to replace in a ration. No. Sweet Corn usually produces 1-2 ears of corn per stalk. Farm Progress With dry conditions still plaguing much of Nebraska, baling corn residue following harvest might be an optional roughage source if hay supply is getting tight. In general, three weeks after the silks first emerge, the ears are ready to be harvested. For producers, soil organic matter is synonymous with soil productivity because: Its a source of nutrients that will slowly release over time. Baled cornstalks are being actively sought in many parts of the state for livestock feed. Will it increase soil loss and erosion? As you take inventory of your winter feedstuffs, check out these calculations for valuing corn stalk bales. Using manure as an amelioration treatment in that study increased both the grain yield and the grain nitrogen content when residue was removed (Schmer, et al.). Crop residue management - Extension at the University of Minnesota Of course, regional differences will occur, so change the values for dry distillers grain and hay to match your local prices. Avoid removing more than 2 tons/acre of residue and maintain at least 2.4 tons/acre of residue. Three general approaches can be used: What is the value to the purchaser, based on feedstuffs replaced by corn stover? If we put hay at $100 per ton and dry distillers grain at $160 per ton, the stalk value would be 1.16 x $100 (hay value) minus 0.22 x $160 (distillers grain value), which comes out to $80.08 per ton. The nitrogen replacement may also be flexible due to potential increased mineralization that can occur due to the change in C:N ratio with residue removal. Listen to a discussion of the content in this article on this episode of the BeefWatch podcast. If your bales came from stressed stalks, like from drought or hail, also get a nitrate test to be sure they are safe. Enter a zip code to see the weather conditions for a different location. When feedstuffs are limited, the natural market fluctuations are out of our control. GO-102005-2135 and ORNL Publication No. Soil organic matter represents decaying plant and animal residues, microscopic soil organisms that decompose plant and animal residues and substances released by these organisms into the soil. It also provides carbon and energy for soil microorganisms. Rakes set at normal operating height remove approximately 65 percent of the residue, which would collect too much residue. The cattle grazed about one-tenth an acre per day for three months. In corn-soybean, harvest corn stalks every four years. Awards:Several awards for podcasting with the American Ag Editors Association. degree in Journalism from Iowa State University with emphasis on broadcasting Expertise:I am the writer and host of the Successful Farming/Living the Country Life National Radio programs and producer of the Successful Farming podcasts. Since then, he has been feeding corn silage. Before growing maize, Native Americans used to bury fish heads in the field. Farmityourself.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Farm Progress Show annually hosts more than 600 exhibitors displaying new farm equipment, tractors, combines and farm implements; seed and crop protection products; and many additional farm supplies and services. Figuring out the true value of cornstalk bales can be a bit tricky, but breaking down the costs can help arrive at some numbers for consideration. The cost of nutrient replacement depend on your local fertilizer prices. Yes, grain sorghum (milo) stalks can be mechanically harvested for hay. Leaving the remaining stalks restores the soil with much-needed organic matter. Corn stalks can give cattlemen some . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Informa Markets, a trading division of Informa PLC. How many hay bales per acre? - Rainbow Run Farm While there are always additional variables and costs to consider, a quick comparison shows that this year with fertilizer prices down, and hay prices up, cornstalk bales may be a reasonable option to explore. Residue harvest (bales per acre) across all systems assumes dry residue and 1,200-pound round bales. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In table 2, note that for residue removal by baling windrow, the combines spreader was turned off. If you harvest five or six round bales per acre, that's between $75 and $100 per acre in nutrients leaving the field with the stalks. Can grain sorghum (milo) stalks be used to make hay for - Extension Table 1. With most Nebraska fields at sufficient K levels, we mostly consider replacing the other nutrients. Baling Corn Stalks for Forage - YouTube Are corn stalk bales good for cattle? - Promisekit.org Placing a Value on Corn Stover Many farmers are asking about the value of corn stalks in response to both the shortage of forage and bedding supplies this year. One-pass cob collection requires less equipment, labor and trips over the field compared to baling residue. The stalk is then plowed back into the field and recycled or collected as bales for bedding and feeding. One-ton cornstalks replaces 1.16-ton of hay and requires an additional 0.22-ton distillers grain. One ton corn stalks replaces 1.16 ton of hay and requires an additional 0.22 ton distillers grain. See how an Iowa operation is adding to its forage options by using New. Nebraska research shows that dryland corn yield declines about 2 bushels for each ton of residue removed. The potential to sustainably harvest crop residues increases when using a conservation tillage system. If you harvest several bales from an acre, harvesting costs may add up to $60-$70 per acre. Subscribe to receive top agriculture news, Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters. The USDA estimated U.S. cotton acres to produce 16.5 million bales, based on prospective planting surveys earlier this year. Macie Reeb, a Kansas State University research assistant in applied swine nutrition. In agricultural fields, growers can maintain soil carbon levels by returning residue to the soil, rotating crops with pasture or perennials or adding organic residues such as animal manure, green manure or sewage sludge. Some parts of this site work best with JavaScript enabled. The plant itself is an annual plant, so shortly after harvest, it will die. University of Minnesota Extension discovers science-based solutions, delivers practical education, and engages Minnesotans to build a better future. Good sources of carbon include manure, by-products from industrial processes such as ash and winter cover crops. The yield increases are hypothesized to be from more even plant stands and/or from increased soil mineralization. . Don't forget about less-definable, long-term costs, such as how carbon removal impacts soil. In a dryland situation, each inch of soil water can produce 12 bushels more corn. All rights reserved. How many ears of corn grow per stalk. Corn stover can be wrapped with twine or net wrap. Bale size determines the amount of hay in a purchased bale, the amount of nutrients in pounds, and the extent of spoilage during storage and feeding. ". For his example, the original diet consisted of 2.6-ton alfalfa-brome hay and 0.3 ton dry distillers grain. (2002). I have ended up with anywhere from 5-10 5' x 5' bales per acre. Each corn stalk produces only one crop of maize, unlike peppers or tomatoes, yielding all the summer. https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2017/residue-removal-impacts-yield, UNL CropWatch. There will be one ear for early maturing sweet corn, while there will be two ready for harvest ears for those that mature late. Use a protein supplement that is nearly all natural and is mostly rumen degradable. Because yield levels can fluctuate greatly from one year to the next, producers should take this into account and possibly adjust the quantity of residue harvested from year to year. By using this formula, we are able to calculate a potential value corn stalks have as a feedstuff. HOW MANY BALES PER ACRE??? - Yesterday's Tractors NebGuide 1846 contains a worksheet for calculating the total cost of harvesting crop residue. Crop input prices are also increasing, causing producers and landowners to wonder what value should be put on baling corn residue. First, look at the value of nutrients removed from the field that may need to be replaced. Thats because corn residue helps soil microorganisms tie-up (i.e., immobilize) nitrogen. To estimate total cost for all animals. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Viewing a thread - Corn stalk bales per acre? HERE locally hay can clear more per acre than corn or cotton. So, lets examine corn stalk bales a little bit closer. If the kernels do not hit the top of the ear, but all signs indicate that it is perfectly ripe to eat; go ahead and pick it anyway. Leaving the remaining stalks restores the soil with much-needed organic matter. To estimate nutrient cost. For continuous corn, reduce nitrogen fertilizer rates following corn residue harvest. I know it can vary a lot but with just a regular corn head and running a rake over it. With conservation tillage in continuous corn, you could annually harvest up to 45 percent of the corn residue if grain yields are consistently 200 bushels per acre. & Nafziger, E.D. Corn cobs are quickly becoming recognized as an important feedstock for ethanol and gasification plants. First, look at the value of nutrients removed from the field that will need to be replaced by fertilizer. Its that time of year where the corn fields have been harvested, and the stalks are either being baled or grazed. This is because continuous corn produces a greater quantity of root and shoot residue than with the corn-soybean rotation. The dimensions of large round bales make a difference in many cases. Beckman is a Nebraska Extension educator. If you harvest several bales from an acre, harvesting costs may add up to $60-$70 per acre. Since its publication, the costs of several nutrients have changed significantly. Vermeer 605N Cornstalk Baler - How to Bale Cornstalks Adding everything up, we accumulate $33 to $42 in cost per ton of residue removed. If it is sweet corn, as soon as it is ripe, you should harvest it.
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