436 



STATE BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



.VAFvIETIES FOR SILAGE 



The highest yields of food material per acre are secured from corn 

 .which reaches maturity. Under average conditions, a variety which 

 reaches the dented and glazed kernel stage of maturity, with the lower 

 leaves of plant turning brown, will produce the most nutritious and most 

 palatable silage. Approximately two-thirds of the digestible food value 

 of corn is in the ear, and hence varieties which produce a good ear will 

 make silage of richest feeding value. It is possible, however, to grow 

 varieties that will not produce sufficient tonnage and mature too early 

 for ensilage. Large growing leafy plants, which will produce ears that 

 reach the dented and glazed stage or hard dough stage of maturity, fill 

 all requirements. Corn which has reached full maturity is usually too 

 dry to produce the most palatable silage, even though water is added. 





9. The silo has extended Michigan's corn growing section far to the north and provides 

 insurance against loss of crop during seasons of early fall frosts. 



