By Blake Jackson
The 2024 corn planting season in Missouri presented farmers with a unique challenge: a significant amount of rainfall in April, which delayed planting for many. This late planting has implications for drying and storing the corn crop.
Corn planted late in the season may not reach black layer until late October or early November, shortening the harvest window and increasing the risk of frost damage.
Growers in this situation must carefully consider their options: natural field drying, selling at a moisture penalty, or artificial drying in the bin.
Successful corn storage depends on several factors, including moisture content, pest control, grain temperature, and grain quality. While natural field drying is often preferred, it carries the risk of mold development if the corn is not sufficiently dry before storage.
Selling wet corn at a moisture discount or feeding it to livestock are viable options for managing excess moisture. However, it's important to note that the cost of drying corn increases significantly with higher moisture levels.
The equilibrium moisture content, the point at which grain no longer releases moisture, is influenced by temperature and relative humidity. MU Extension's Horizon Point system provides grain drying reports that predict this value for specific locations and weather conditions.
For late-planted corn, Ellis recommends storing the grain in multiple bins and blending layers to reduce drying time and costs.
Natural air drying is a slower process and works best for smaller grain depths and bin diameters. It's crucial to start the fan as soon as the bin floor is covered to prevent spoilage.
By understanding these factors and implementing appropriate strategies, Missouri farmers can effectively dry and store their corn crop, ensuring its quality and value.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nicexray
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn