Corn silage has historically been an attractive alternative for livestock producers when grain prices are relatively low (pre-2006).  Corn prices have been extremely high in the last half-dozen years and as a consequence, provided fewer opportunities for profitably feeding silage for beef cattle.  However, new crop corn prices for 2014 have decreased considerably compared to the last few years and is around $3.50/bu using a typical newcrop basis.  Thus there should be more opportunities for profitably feeding silage this year.  The purpose of this publication is to examine the situation for 2014, and determine what opportunities may exist in using corn silage for beef cattle feed.  The steps in the decision process are outlined to help you work through your options.  

To evaluate the potential for cutting corn silage for livestock feed, we need to look at this decision from both the perspective of the corn producer and the livestock producer.  Each perspective is different and too often the decision becomes confused by including factors that aren’t relevant for one party or the other.  As a consequence, two economic sections are included to outline the valuation process from each perspective.  Additionally, since feeding corn silage is less familiar than feeding hay for most beef producers, an introductory section has been included to cover the basics of feeding and storing corn silage. 

Author(s) Contact Information: 

Greg Halich | greg.halich@uky.edu 

Kenny Burdine | kburdine@uky.edu

Jeff Lehmkuler |  jeff.lehmkuhler@uky.edu