Dry Down Days were held for a second time in Romulus, NY on September 16th. A total of 47 samples were tested with an average dry matter of 32.8% (67.2% moisture). Several fields were ready to be harvested the day of testing, and many will be ready this weekend. Other fields planted late in June are still immature, and are predicted to be closer to optimum harvest in 10-14 days. The table shows a comparison of results from Dry Down Days in Romulus from the September 2nd and September 16th events.
After they become mature, corn plants will dry down about 0.5 percentage points per day, maybe a bit more on breezy, sunny days, and up to 1 percentage point per day on hot, windy days. On a rainy day, or cloudy cold day, the plant will not dry down much. It also will not begin to dry down until it reaches maturity, which is why we don’t see much of a change in dry matter from two weeks ago. Now that plants are more mature, it is expected that they will begin to dry down at the rate of about 0.5 percentage points per day.
Dairy Management Specialist – Margaret Quaassdorff
