Using Corn

Knowledge Nuggets
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• Livestock producers can use corn to produce pasture in the same year that it is needed. Corn grazing can supplement perennial pasture or increase the carrying capacity of a livestock operation.

• Planting early maturing silage type corn varieties for use in late season grazing has tremendous potential as productivity is very high and the upright nature of the plant allows cattle to harvest the stand in times of deep snow.

• The successful production of corn is highly dependent on the availability of cold tolerant varieties, adequate heat units, fertility and weed control. All four aspects are critical for successful production.

• Factors such as the location of fields, shelter, fencing and water need to be considered.

• An emergency feed supply during severe weather may be necessary. Also, supplemental forage can extend the corn grazing period and enhance animal performance.

• Do not be in a hurry to provide supplemental feed or cattle will become lazy and not graze.

• Be aware that livestock expend more energy to harvest their own feed compared to animals being fed.

• Strip grazing or moving cattle from field to field provides a more uniform nutrient intake. Gains per acre are greater when fields are strip grazed versus whole-field grazed.

• Whole-field grazing allows cattle to consume the best feed first and allows cows to gain weight early on with weight being maintained or lost after the best feed has been harvested. To keep cows gaining or maintaining weight using unsupplemented crop residue, move them to fresh fields to ensure adequate quality.

• The use of electric fencing to control animal access will improve utilization of the crop, reduce trampling and wastage.

• In years of heavy snowfall, cattle may have better access to standing corn compared to swathed crops under snow.

• Costs per ton of corn grown need to be calculated before choosing this management option.