The article published by Joel Bagg has been updated to include the following:
Graze or Green Chop with Caution
Green chopping or grazing corn stressed by dry weather can be an option for some producers facing feed shortages, but considerable caution should be used. Nitrate levels can fluctuate daily within the plant, with concentrations higher in the bottom of the plant compared to those found near the top. Corn plants typically contain significantly higher levels of nitrate immediately after a rainfall event that follows a prolonged period of dry weather. The risk of nitrate poisoning while green chopping or grazing this corn is much higher for the 5 – 7 day period after a rainfall than during the actual period of dry weather. Green chopped corn that is not fed immediately undergoes respiration that converts nitrate to nitrite, so the risk is increased. Field sampling and laboratory analysis for nitrates can be useful, but keep in mind that nitrate levels in these plants fluctuate.
To see the complete updated article use the following link
Using Corn Damaged by Dry Weather
To get more information on feed and pasture during adverse weather conditions visit the following link
