By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter) with files from BCRC

Considering whole plant corn grazing? Get the facts before you plant

Mar 20, 2018 | 4:05 PM

LETHBRIDGE –  With new varieties of corn becoming available, more cattle producers across Canada are considering grazing whole plant corn as a viable winter feeding option.  With that in mind, producers may be thinking about planting grazing corn this spring.

However, it’s imperative that cattle producers are well-versed on what is needed for the crop.

Dr. Bart Lardner from the Western Beef Development Centre says there are good reasons to consider the options.  

“It’s a crop that grows two and a half to three times the mass that small grain cereals do, on less land.”

“Another attraction may be that this is a crop that actually exceeds the nutrient requirements of a beef cow in the first and second trimester of pregnancy and in cold weather months there may not be a need to add additional energy supplementation.”

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For producers that are considering putting corn in the ground this spring for their cattle to graze next winter, Lardner says there are a number of things to consider and he recommends getting a good understanding of the crop itself.

“First and foremost, it’s a brand new crop to western Canada – certainly we’re used to growing pulses and all-season cereal crops but, corn is a warm season crop, so I always tell producers to do their homework and do the agronomy – work with some crop folks who have grown corn in the past – maybe your local ag rep and other local crop producers.”

When planting corn for grazing, Lardner suggests focusing on proper planting techniques, soil fertility and weed control.

“It’s a crop that needs a lot of attention when your seeding, in terms of precision, and it’s suggested you use a corn planter and not an air seeder. Also, pay attention to fertility. Do a soil test and make sure you’re getting the correct number of seeds per acre, and then once the crop has emerged, weed pressure is huge so make sure you’re going out there with the proper herbicide, which in many cases in round-up ready.”

Lardner notes that at least two applications pf herbicide will be needed to suppress weeds, as corn isn’t a very competitive crop up until knee height. 

“However, once it gets above that height, it’s off to the races.”

Lardner also offers other tips to those thinking of integrating corn grazing for the first time.

“Start small and only grow five to ten acres to begin with, until you feel comfortable that this system is going to work with your other wintering systems, such as bale grazing, stock-pile forage, or swath grazing.”

There are a lot of input costs with corn grazing, so Lardner encourages making sure that it’s going to work for you and then slowly increase your acreage as you feel comfortable.

 More information is available on the Beef Cattle Research Council website.