Todd and Nancy Kloentrup called me with a voice of urgency and asked for help in determining what to do with 20 acres of silage corn that had been totally immersed (under water for up to 6 days) due to heavy summer rains. I coordinated a farm visit with Dr. Chad Lee, UK Grain Crops Extension Specialists, to look at the flooded corn. Three other farmers, who had flooded corn, also participated in our farm visit.

 This corn represented a major part of the Kloentrup’s  winter feeding program for their 30 registered cows. At the time of our visit they had no idea if the corn had any salvage value for silage or ear corn.  They didn’t even know the questions to ask or what dangers might exist if the flooded corn was harvested and fed. A visit was made to the flooded corn fields and samples taken. Dr. Lee showed the farmers the damage and talked to them about the likelihood of toxins being present in the corn.  Most of the corn was determined to be a total loss.

We did identify some corn on a higher elevation in the field that showed less damage. This 3 - 4 acres was eventually harvested. Specific recommendations were given to have the corn tested for toxins.  

We gave them options for testing labs (UK, Dairy One and Alltech) and with their research and a few phone calls they decided to go with Alltech. Test showed levels of toxins that were a feeding concern.  With the test results, the Kloentrup's then worked with UK and Alltech to get feeding recommendations. They purchased a feed additive from Alltech that was recommended to reduce the possibilities of sickness or death loss from feeding the corn.   In the end they were able to feed the corn at five pounds per day to the dry pregnant cows.  Cows came out of winter in very good body condition and with no health issues. 

Because of Extension’s work the Kloenthrup’s and the other farmers got their questions answered and specific directions in harvesting, storing, testing and feeding their corn. The Kloentrup’s considered this a success as they were able to take what looked like a 100% loss and got 15 to 20% production from their corn fields.  Nancy said we reduced their fear of the unknown and allowed them to feel good about feeding the corn. They still had a larger winter feeding bill than normal but it could have been much worse.