Farmers in northeast Wisconsin had the opportunity to see comparison fields using varying-day corn to see the difference in green planting and no-till following ryelage. The event took place during the Peninsula Pride Farms and Door-Kewaunee Watershed Demonstration Farms Network monthly Conservation Conversation in early September. Ebert Enterprises hosted the event and, Nick Guilette, crop manager led the conversation on “Corn Evaluation: Planting Green vs No Till After Ryelage.” The first field to be observed by the group was planted green with 92-day corn in the spring of 2023. Dead rye plants were visible in the rows, which is not typical for planted green fields but the dry weather this year impacted water infiltration. The corn will be used for silage for Ebert Enterprises, and the anticipated yields look pleasing.
“Corn this year is a success in itself,” said Randy Ebert, of Ebert Enterprises.
The group then walked a field that was planted with 86-day and 92-day variety corn after the ryelage was taken off for forage. During planting, there were a few challenges in the liquid nitrogen application which was visible in slow growing areas across the field. They plan to also use the crop for corn silage and noted the anticipated yield from this field is also satisfactory.
“For guys that are hesitant to use cover crops, I don’t see a problem with reevaluating the game plan though the year and adjusting as needed,” Nick said in his closing remarks.