The 2026 hot, dry weather in North Dakota is forcing some producers to decide whether to harvest their corn for grain or chop for silage. There may be possible feed shortages as a result of the drought.

Ron Haugen, North Dakota State University Extension farm management specialist, says a main question he receives is how to determine the value of a standing crop of corn.

“Producers who planned on harvesting corn ask, ‘What is the value of standing corn if it is chopped for silage and used for feed?’” says Haugen.

NDSU Extension has revised a publication on determining the value of a standing corn crop for silage. This publication has been updated with current values and procedures, and it is available in print and for download. It can be found at ndsu.ag/corn-silage-26.

Based on the factors outlined in the silage publication, NDSU Extension specialists have also updated a silage decision tool. The tool is a downloadable Excel spreadsheet that allows producers to input their own numbers from their operations. It includes features for adjusting the corn silage price and estimating yield calculations. The decision tool can be found at ndsu.ag/cornsilagetool26.

The value of the standing corn crop depends upon several variables, including yield, price of substitute feed crops, and harvesting and hauling costs. The decision tool shows formulas and examples of different row spacing and dry matter percentages.

For more information, contact Haugen at 701-231-8103 or ronald.haugen@ndsu.edu or Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist, at 701-652-2951 or karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Aug. 21, 2026

Source: Ron Haugen, 701-231-8103, ronald.haugen@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu