Producers in the High Plains region could be dealing with late-maturing, high-moisture corn this fall.

That means they have some decisions to make, according to Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer and professor in NDSU's Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department.

Corn reaching maturity about Oct. 1 normally will dry slowly in the field due to cooler ambient temperatures. Standing corn in the field may dry about 1.5 to 3 percentage points per week during October and 1 to 1.5 percentage points per week or less during November, assuming normal North Dakota weather conditions.

Corn has a moisture content of about 32% when it reaches maturity. If it has a moisture content of 32% on Oct. 1, it may dry to only about 22% moisture by Nov. 1, assuming normal North Dakota climatic conditions. Field drying normally is more economical until mid-October, and mechanical high-temperature drying normally is more economical after that.

"Assure corn stalks and shanks are strong if considering leaving very high-moisture corn in the field," Hellevang advises. "Field losses can range from minor to severe. Compare the cost of drying versus losses associated with leaving the corn in the field."

To estimate the propane cost per bushel per point of moisture removed, multiply the propane price per gallon by 0.02. For example, the cost to remove 10 points of moisture using $2 propane is 40 cents. Dividing the propane cost by the corn price provides the%age of corn losses that will equal the drying cost (40 cents divided by $3 equals 13%). Also, verify the impact on insurance of leaving the corn in the field.

Storage in a poly bag is a good storage option, but it does not prevent mold growth or insect infestations. Grain should be dry when placed in a grain bag. Storing higher-moisture corn in a bag should be considered very short-term storage and done only at near-freezing temperatures. At moisture contents exceeding about 25%, ensiling may occur at temperatures above freezing and prevent the corn from being dried and sold in the general market.

When storing in bags, select an elevated, well-drained location with the surface prepared to prevent the bags from being punctured, and run the bags north and south so solar heating is similar on both sides of the bags. Wildlife can puncture the bags, creating an entrance for moisture and releasing the grain smell, which attracts more wildlife. Monitor the grain temperature at several locations in the bags and repair punctured bags.

"Corn above 21% moisture should not be dried using natural-air and low-temperature drying to minimize corn spoilage during drying," Hellevang says. "Because the drying capacity is extremely poor at temperatures below 35 to 40 degrees, little drying typically is possible using a natural-air system after about Nov. 1. Adding heat does not permit drying wetter corn and only slightly increases drying speed. The primary effect of adding heat is to reduce the final corn moisture content."

When outdoor temperatures average near or below freezing, cool the corn to 20 to 25 degrees for winter storage and finish drying in April to early May. Limit the corn depth to about 20 to 22 feet to obtain an airflow rate of 1 to 1.25 cubic feet per minute per bushel, which is necessary to dry the corn before deterioration occurs. Turn fans off during extended periods of rain, snow or fog to minimize the amount of moisture the fans pull into the bin.

Using the maximum drying temperature that will not damage the corn increases the dryer capacity and reduces energy consumption of a high-temperature dryer. Removing a pound of water requires about 20% less energy at a drying air temperature of 200°F than at 150°F. Follow the dryer manufacturer's recommendations, but generally recommended plenum temperatures when drying corn are 210"F to 230°F.

"Be aware that excessively high drying temperatures may result in a lower final test weight and increased breakage susceptibility," Hellevang says. "In addition, as the drying time increases, high-moisture corn becomes more susceptible to browning. A cross-flow dryer that moves corn from the inside to the outside of the drying column, varies the corn flow rate across the drying column or varies the corn's exposure to the drying air is more likely to maintain corn quality."

Removing debris that accumulates on or in a dryer is more critical when outside air temperatures are cold because condensation can develop on the dryer, creating a wet surface on which debris can collect. The debris may reduce airflow through the dryer, decreasing the dryer's capacity and creating a fire hazard.

More mechanical damage occurs when harvesting high-moisture corn, which affects the storage life of the corn. Dry low-test-weight corn and corn with more damaged kernels to a percentage point lower in moisture content than normal. Cooling the grain in storage to about 20 to 25 degrees for winter storage in northern corn-growing regions and near freezing in warmer regions is more important for damaged corn than for mature, sound corn. Check immature and damaged grain more frequently and do not put immature or damaged corn in long-term storage.

"Also remember that working with high-moisture corn can be hazardous," Hellevang cautions. "Become informed of the hazards and recommended safety practices. Do not become a fatality."

North Dakota State University News Release