Short Corn Hybrids Makes Better Silage

Short Corn Hybrids Makes Better Silage At less than 7 ft. tall, short corn hybrids stand up better to wind and are less likely to suffer green snap, while producing higher yields (Vol. 47, No. 3). Progressive Dairy Solutions consultant John Goeser reports that Italian on-farm research suggests that short corn hybrids make better silage as well as grain. “I’ve been impressed with the Italian data,” says Goeser. “It was done independent of seed companies. I haven’t seen any negatives.” Goeser has been in discussions with Andrea Bellingeri, a fellow independent consultant in northern Italy. In Italy, the short-stature corn championed by Stine and Bayer (Preceon Smart Corn System) in the U.S. is referred to as brachytic dwarf corn. Purdue University researchers found that short-stature hybrids averaged 67 in., compared with 86 in., with average ear heights of 22 in. versus 37 in. At the same time, the average above-ground total plant biomass was roughly the same at the R1 growth stage.  “The reduced heights of short-stature hybrids are typically realized in the stacked internode spacing below the ear,” reported Dan Quinn, Purdue Extension corn specialist, and his graduate research assistant, Erick Oliva. “In addition, short-stature hybrids maintained similar leaf number and exhibited a wider stem diameter and a wider ear leaf diameter than full-stature hybrids.” Goeser notes that it’s the shortened internodes, without reducing leaf number, in the naturally occurring br2 mutation that matter for silage. The improved standability and leaf-to-stem ratio are both linked to silage quality and harvest management. Goeser points out that leaf tissue is more digestible than stalk; however, grain is even more digestible, so yield is vital as well. Replicated field trials conducted by Bellingeri’s clients compared dwarf corn with conventional corn. He and his team collected yield and quality data (total digestible nutrient or TDN yield per acre). The plots were conducted over a three-year period. Goeser worked with Bellingeri to focus on TDN, starch, digestibility and dry matter yield. The results were very impressive. The br2 hybrids yielded an estimated 1.5 metric tons more TDN per hectare (2.5 acres). This translates into 220 to 264 lbs. more milk per acre. “This was staggering to see as we pursue options to yield more digestible calories per acre with silage,” says Goeser. “Results were fairly stable across the three growing seasons.” Goeser notes that a Michigan State University feeding study found short corn outperforming both conventional and BMR (brown midrib) hybrids across multiple measures. However, the study was small and had limited replication. “More replications are needed on a field-level basis, like the Italian dairy producers have done,” says Goeser. Bellingeri reviewed the earlier FARM SHOW article on Stine short corn hybrids and found many parallels with what his clients observed in their fields. “The points on higher plant populations, improved standability, and narrower row spacing resonate strongly with what we are seeing in northern Italy with short-stature hybrids, especially when the target is silage rather than grain,” says Bellingeri. Bayer began introducing the Preceon system to select growers through their Groundbreakers trials in Europe and the U.S. in 2023. Goeser reports that this year, Bayer is seeking dairies to plant 40 to 80 acres of the short-corn hybrids for silage and to enroll in their dairy management records program. “I’ve advised my dairy producer clients to get into the program to gain experience with the short-stature corn,” says Goeser. “The Preceon team is recommending 5,000 to 10,000 higher seed populations. How to manage this corn for silage is still being determined.” Goeser expects Bayer and others to explore biotech options for short corn in the future. The current genetics rely on the naturally occurring dwarf mutation. “Biotech corn for silage has previously made a splash, generated a lot of interest, and then shortfalls have created a bad taste,” says Goeser. “With this program, Preceon appears to be trying to manage publicity and gain experience.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Progressive Dairy Solutions, S3852A Bickel Rd., La Farge, Wis. 54639 (ph 608-332-3859; john@pdscows.com).

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