Silage

A corn hybrid that is a high grain yielder usually will be a top silage producer. A variety that matures slightly later than one harvested for grain is often the most satisfactory for silage. Both hybrids will dent about the same time, but the later-maturing varieties lose moisture more slowly than the earlier-maturing varieties. This allows a somewhat longer period for silo filling.

Hybrid varieties sold for their high sugar content (earless) may tend to have slightly higher protein content but are higher in fiber and lower in energy than those varieties which give high yields of grain. Many special silage varieties are simply tall growing, long season hybrids and may not yield as much nutrients as a top grain yielding hybrid.