News

Corn drying decisions

Decisions, decisions, for the past couple of years deciding to let the corn crop dry in the field or run it through the grain dryer was an easy decision, Mother Nature did the job, but this year some growers may be wrestling with what to do.

Barry Ward, Extension ag economist at the Ohio State University says for some the decision will be fairly easy, for others the decision might be a little more difficult. Something to consider Ward says is the amount of dry down we can expect.

“Typically the latter part of October about a half of percent per day, ballpark and then as we get into November about a quarter of a percent per day, so if we use those rules of thumb and some common sense and taking a look to see what the weather is going to be like, we can get some idea of what kind of dry down to expect and whether that’s going to be worth leaving it out there and all the issues of leaving it out there,” said Ward.

Which in a year like the Eastern Corn Belt has had in 2011, Barry Wards says issues like stalk strength becomes an important factor to consider.

Audio: Barry Ward, Extension ag economist, OSU (7:45 MP3)

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!