By Andi Anderson
Due to a challenging spring planting season, corn fields are now showing varying moisture levels, with some areas having moisture as low as 15%, while replanted portions are still above 20%. This variation complicates the harvest, drying, and storage process for farmers.
Ken Hellevang, a retired agricultural engineer, suggests segregating the harvest where possible. Farmers should consider harvesting the areas with lower moisture content first, then returning later to harvest the areas that still need drying.
According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, warm and dry conditions are expected through late October, which should help dry the higher moisture areas before November.
Farmers are advised to scout their fields to assess stalk integrity and monitor for any signs of stalk rot or ear drop. If a field is left standing too long, there’s a risk of preharvest losses due to stalk breakdown or ear shank weakness, which can cause ears to drop.
Drying corn with varying moisture levels can be tricky. High-temperature dryers may cause further moisture variations in the grain, even after drying.
Newer dryers mix corn more evenly in the drying column, but moisture differences often persist in storage. Extended aeration is recommended to help equalize the moisture levels during storage.
For corn with a moisture content exceeding 20%, natural air drying is not effective. Immediate aeration after storage is crucial to cool the corn down to below 70°F, and as outdoor temperatures drop, it’s recommended to further cool the corn to 20-30°F for safe winter storage.
Farmers facing large moisture variations in their fields should either wait for the higher-moisture corn to dry before harvesting or harvest the dry portion first and return later for the rest. Proper storage management is key to preventing moisture-related problems during storage.
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Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle