Growers Should Think Carefully Before Using Frost-Damaged Corn for Hay or Grazing

Sep 15, 2025

By James Rogers and Karl Hoppe

Early frost has damaged many acres of corn in North Dakota. The stage of maturity of the corn and the intensity and duration of the freeze will directly impact corn grain yield. In some cases, the severity of the damage may have growers looking for options to salvage what is left of the crop.

James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage crops production specialist, says that growers might consider haying their corn, but this may not be the best option for some.

Corn hay, on average, will contain approximately 8%-10% crude protein and 65% total digestible nutrients.

“The main issue with turning corn into hay,” says Rogers, “is the moisture content of the corn and getting it to dry down to a moisture point where it can be put into a bale.”

Plant maturity has a major impact on corn moisture content. The more immature the corn is at the time of frost, the higher the moisture content of the plant.

Source : ndsu.edu

Video: Genetics vs Genomics in Swine - Dr. Max Rothschild

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Max Rothschild, Distinguished Professor at Iowa State University, explains how genetics and genomics have transformed swine production. He explores genomic selection, key gene discoveries, and the role of gene editing in improving disease resistance and productivity. Practical insights on litter size, meat quality, and industry adoption are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Genetic improvement in swine production accelerated significantly once molecular tools enabled identification of DNA level variation influencing growth, reproduction, and meat quality across commercial populations."

Meet the guest: Dr. Max Rothschild / max-f-rothschild-b3800312 earned his PhD in Animal Breeding from Cornell University and has spent over four decades at Iowa State University advancing swine genetics and genomics. His research focuses on genetic improvement, disease resistance, and molecular tools for swine production. A leader in pig genome research, his work has shaped modern breeding strategies.