Those corn growers that have seen severe damage to their fields as a result of the heat and lack of rain may want to salvage the damaged corn for livestock feed. An Extension Educator at the University of Illinois is reminding these producers to do so carefully – as there could be high nitrate levels in the forage. U of I Extension’s Robert Bellm says nitrate levels will be highest in fields that received high nitrogen fertilizer or manure applications – and in plants that are severely stunted and did not form an ear. One way to reduce the potential for nitrate toxicity – he says – is harvesting or grazing only the upper two thirds of the plant.

Bellm advises testing drought-damaged corn that is going to be green-chopped and fed prior to harvest. Hay made from drought-damaged corn and silage made from high-nitrate forages should be tested prior to feeding. Bellm notes safe feeding levels vary from state to state and are usually given as a range.

Areas that are lucky enough to get some rain need to keep one other point in mind. There is a rapid uptake of nitrate by the plants immediately after rainfall. As a result – harvesting drought-damaged forage should be delayed at least five days following a rain event. This allows the plants to metabolize the nitrate and reduce the nitrate concentrations within the plant.