USING THE KERNEL MILKLINE AS A GUIDE IN SILAGE HARVEST

milk line at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4

Observing the development of the corn kernel milkline can provide a guide as to when corn is at the proper dry matter content for ensiling. Ohio research indicates variability in the relationship between the kernel milkline and whole plant DM content. Hybrid, planting date, and growing season can affect the relationship between kernel milkline position and whole plant DM content. The appearance of the milkline in the upper 1/4 of the kernel generally indicates that the crop is very near the optimal time to harvest. A sample should be taken at this time and DM content determined with a commercial forage moisture tester or microwave oven. When an ear of corn is broken in half, the tip half (shown below) shows the smooth endosperm. The arrow points to the milk line border between the milk and stalk layer.