GREENCASTLE, Ind. — Facing an unusually difficult year like other producers, David Sutherlin is cutting most of his corn crop for silage – and doing so for his Putnam County, Ind. neighbors.

Increased prices for gluten and distillers grains led Sutherlin to buy silage equipment this year. Instead of cutting the usual 20 acres for his 200 head of crossbred Angus, he will likely cut 100 acres, he said. His insurance adjuster estimated he would get 22 bushels of corn per acre, instead of the normal 170-175 bushels.

“I think it will be better to chop it for feed,” Sutherlin said. “You’ve got to think outside the box. Normal is not this year. And next year it may be something else.”

In addition, he has two to three custom jobs lined up, where he will take his silage equipment to chop at other farms nearby.

Silage may be a solution to the problems of both grain and livestock producers, said W. Mark Hilton, clinical professor of beef production medicine at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

Grain farmers looking at dried-up fields may be able to offer their crops for silage to their neighboring livestock producers. It would be additional revenue for grain farmers, while it is a low-cost source of nutrition for livestock, Hilton said. “We need to all work together in this situation. Livestock in the area increase the demand for corn,” Hilton added.

Hilton said that grain farmers should check with their crop insurance agent first to see what he will allow.

“He may tell you to leave six rows in the middle and that you can do what you want with the rest,” Hilton said.

Especially in a drought, silage should be tested for nitrates. Usually cutting 12 inches off the ground will help to eliminate nitrate exposure, Hilton said.

Hilton is fielding numerous calls from anxious beef producers who are trying to figure out how to respond to the drought sweeping across the nation.

The best way for livestock producers to combat the multi-layered problem is to make a plan now, Hilton said.

“Make a plan. Don’t react (to the circumstances). Sit down and think about what you can do. Don’t wait until November when you’re out of feed,” Hilton said.

Culling the beef cattle herd now of 2,000-pound bulls and cows that are not pregnant are good options because that means fewer animals to feed, Hilton said. “Less than half of (beef producers) pregnancy check their herd. That means they’re feeding cows that are not pregnant. It costs $230 per ton to feed a cow. Sell them,” Hilton urged.

He also encouraged weaning after 90 days because calves are a more efficient investment. Calves grow faster on less feed.

To respond to the urgent needs of beef cattle producers, Hilton asked his associate, D.J. Weimer, a large animal veterinarian in Knightstown, Ind., to write a paper detailing various options (see related story on page 4).

Hilton also recommended talking to Purdue extension agents and to visit www.extension.purdue.edu for valuable tips.

Sutherlin said his new silage equipment was a good investment for him, both as a grain and a livestock producer.

“It will pay for itself with the higher cost of gluten and distillers grains. As long as their prices are elevated, it will be cheaper to chop for silage,” he said.