Options for post-freeze, late-planted corn

Corn killed in dough stage

• Kernels contain about 70% moisture.
• About one-half of mature kernel dry weight
• Corn can be used for good quality silage, but entire plant must be allowed to dry to about 65% moisture.

Corn killed in early dent stage

• In early dent, kernels contain about 55% moisture; are 3 to 3.5 weeks from maturity; and about half of mature dry weight has accumulated.
• Grain yields will be reduced and test weight will be low.
• If the plant is only partially killed, yield loss will be 25% and test weight will be lower.
• Corn will make good silage when harvested at a whole plant moisture content of 65%.
• Corn can be harvested for grain after long field-drying period.

Corn killed in late dent stage

• Kernels contain about 40% moisture.
• Yield is within 10-15% and test weight will be lower.
• If plants are only partially killed or if the crop is close to physiological maturity before freeze, yield loss will be 5% and test weight will be only slightly lower than normal.
• Corn makes the best silage when whole plant moisture is 65%.
• Corn can be harvested for grain after a long drying period.

Corn killed when physiologically mature (black layer)

• Kernel moisture is 28-35%, depending on hybrid.
• Killing freeze will not affect grain yield or quality.
• Rate of grain dry-down depends on hybrid and environment.

Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.

Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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