Many corn fields across Ohio are sitting above 25% moisture and farmers may be wondering how much drying action will occur in the next few weeks. In the most recent episode of the Agronomy and Farm Management Podcast, we share research results and tools to help farmers make informed decisions on corn drying in-field this time of year. Listen on Apple, Google or online: https://podcast.osu.edu/agronomy/.
With the recent rainfall and colder temperatures in the current weather forecast, very little drying in the field should be expected over the next couple weeks. If you are considering waiting for mother nature to offer some drying, check stalk quality and ear mold presence as we get into November. Fields may have greater loss at harvest due to these issues and may not be worth the wait.
For questions on drying high moisture corn, refer to this week’s article with reminders for balancing drying efficiency with grain quality and safety: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2023-38/considerations-drying-high-moisture-corn. It provides some tips like lowering the drying temperature below 200 F to reduce kernel damage. As temperatures decrease this week, remember to keep grain temperatures coming out of the dryer at 90 – 100 F to reduce condensation potential.
Lower temperature grain drying is not as efficient so we encourage you to run the numbers and see how much it will cost compared with taking it directly to the elevator from the field. This may present less headaches if you are unfamiliar with drying high moisture grain.