Thiago Fernandes Bernardes
Professor, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Lavras
E-mail: thiagobernardes@dzo.ufla.br
Managing corn crops is not among the most complex agricultural practices compared to other crops in Brazil. While there are challenges, farmers generally do not face serious problems when handling corn production. However, the reality is often different for many livestock producers.
Why? Many farms lack specialized equipment and trained labor to properly manage corn during the agronomic phase. In addition, there is often little focus on this stage of production. Discussions tend to prioritize the nutritional aspects of corn silage, leaving agronomic factors largely overlooked.
Although transgenic hybrids dominate Brazilian fields, many still require insecticide applications throughout the cycle (Figure 1). Some pests, however, have no established control methods (Figure 2). In addition, many hybrids are susceptible to late-cycle diseases and demand fungicide treatments (Figure 3). In areas without no-till farming, weed infestations are also frequent, requiring additional herbicide use.
Fertilization involves both planting fertilization and top-dressing applications, which must be performed within predetermined periods. These agronomic practices — pest and disease control, weed management, and fertilization — usually coincide with Brazil’s rainiest season. As a result, unfavorable climatic conditions can often delay or prevent the correct timing of applications.
Producing high-quality corn silage at a low cost is a challenge. In the livestock sector, there is a common practice of treating corn silage — a forage resource — as if it were a concentrated ingredient. Many nutritionists collect a sample from the silo, send it to a lab, and later criticize the nutritional quality without considering the hybrid selection, planting process, or field management strategies.
Successful silage production requires attention and dedication from hybrid selection to harvesting and feeding. A broader systemic view is essential.
Choosing the right hybrid should prioritize agronomic performance over nutritional value alone. Hybrids that perform better during the field stage should be preferred since most production challenges occur before harvest. The ensiling process itself — cutting, compacting, and sealing — is generally well-understood by farms and involves fewer risks.
The table below shows the variation in dry matter yield and economic efficiency among 11 corn hybrids tested in Lavras, Minas Gerais:
| Hybrid | Dry Matter Yield (t/ha) | Agronomic Cost (R$/ha) | Forage Cost (R$/t DM) |
| 1 | 30.6 | 2,698.5 | 88.2 |
| 2 | 28.6 | 2,708.2 | 94.7 |
| 3 | 28.0 | 2,973.2 | 106.2 |
| 4 | 27.0 | 2,823.2 | 104.6 |
| 5 | 26.8 | 2,747.2 | 102.5 |
| 6 | 26.7 | 2,932.2 | 109.8 |
| 7 | 26.3 | 2,953.2 | 112.3 |
| 8 | 25.7 | 2,678.2 | 104.2 |
| 9 | 25.6 | 2,721.1 | 106.3 |
| 10 | 24.9 | 2,700.1 | 108.4 |
| 11 | 24.2 | 2,829.3 | 116.9 |
Key Insights:
Yield differences reached 6.4 t/ha between the lowest and highest performers.
Agronomic costs varied by R$ 295/ha.
Forage production costs ranged from R$ 88.2/t DM to R$ 116.9/t DM.
A small difference of R$ 0.03 per kg of silage can significantly impact profitability in dairy and beef operations where silage accounts for up to 50% of the animal’s diet.
Knowing the agronomic history of your hybrid is essential for maximizing silage efficiency and profitability. A strategic choice at planting can define the difference between profit and loss for livestock producers.
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