For a neighbor, question on harvesting corn

[Faster horses]

Thanks again everyone! From the advice here, they are leaning toward combining, so if they do, they will swath it after combing to bale the stalks, right? Or can they graze it then?
Is there any nutrition in just the stalks? Baled or unbaled~
They were pretty impressed with the replies and might join as members.
(That is when they get the time.)

 

[3 M L & C]

If they combine it. Just fence it off and let them graze it. Our cattle last year were on corn stalks longer than they were on grass. We just put out some protein tubs and they didn't even need much of that. They will sniff out every last kernel on the ground that the combine didn't get and they really like the leaves and husks.

 

[katrina]

combine it definetly that corn if dry 15percent will last a year easy . then they can supplement it to what needs it or back ground some calves next fall . if there is a feed store close they could put it in a grain bank. or it is worth 4.50 a bushel some extra spending money which anyone can use.

:nod:

 

[katrina]

If they combine it. Just fence it off and let them graze it. Our cattle last year were on corn stalks longer than they were on grass. We just put out some protein tubs and they didn't even need much of that. They will sniff out every last kernel on the ground that the combine didn't get and they really like the leaves and husks.

:nod:

 

[Big Swede]

I would definately have someone combine it. Grazing straight corn is a risky proposition at best. Then graze the stalks like 3 L M & C said. If many ears fall off before it gets combined you need to be real careful. Lots of cows died last fall from too much corn on the ground.

 

[BRG]

Yes, they can either cut it and bale it or just go out and rake it. The raked is better feed than if they cut it as the stalks are pretty big and they will sort a lot of them out and leave in bunk or on the ground, where they will eat most of the leaves and husks. Especially if they don't grind it. Last winter in the feedlot, all we fed for hay was either wheat straw or corn stalks. We ground it all and mixed with modified distillers and silage. They did real good on this ration. But make sure you balance the ration so the needs are met.

If they graze, you will want to make sure they get a little extra protein whether it is cake, distillers, tubs, or something as their isn't quite enough protein in the stalks alone.