Monitor Moisture When Managing Frost-Damaged Corn for Silage

Sep 15, 2025

By James Rogers

Recent frost has damaged many acres of corn in the state. The extent of frost damage to corn will depend on the low temperature, duration of the low temperature and the maturity stage of the corn.

Frost-damaged corn can still be chopped for silage, says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist. However, the moisture content of the chopped corn must be at the right level for proper ensiling to occur.

“Proper moisture content at the time of ensiling is key to achieving adequate fermentation of the silage and preservation,” says Rogers.

While frost-damaged corn will appear to dry quickly due to the rapid change in color from green to light green or gray, the moisture content of the corn may still be too high to ensile. 

Source : ndsu.edu
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