With so many different hybrids of corn for silage on the market, it can be difficult to identify the correct planting rate. Dual-purpose, brown midrib (BMR), and leafy silage hybrids all have different requirements. In a Midwest Forage Association Forage Focus article, University of Minnesota extension agronomist Jeff Coulter highlighted what planting rates fit best with each hybrid.

Dual-purpose hybrids are generally taller and mature later than those exclusively for grain corn. Because of this, milk per acre is maximized with a planting rate that is about 2,000 to 3,000 seeds per acre higher. Planting at an even higher rate reduces milk per ton by 2% to 4%, but doing so can also boost silage yields by 5% to 10%.

BMR hybrids generally have less lignin and poorer standability and are harvested earlier than other hybrids. Coulter recommended a planting rate between 30,000 and 32,000 seeds per acre to optimize milk per acre and silage quality for BMR hybrids.

“Because leafy hybrids are larger plants with more leaf area, the optimal planting rate for leafy hybrids is much lower than that of dual-purpose hybrids. For leafy corn silage hybrids with eight to nine leaves above the ear, the optimal planting rate is about 30,000 seeds per acre. For leafy corn silage hybrids with 10 to 11 leaves above the ear, the optimal planting rate is about 28,000 seeds per acre,” the extension agronomist noted.