By Ben Beckman and Samantha Daniel
Silage is a cornerstone feed for livestock across Nebraska. Knowing its value is critical for making sound management decisions, whether budgeting for your own operation or selling to a buyer.
UNL research shows that corn silage standing in the field can be valued per ton at 7.65 times the price per bushel of corn when harvested at about 65% moisture. This multiplier is consistent regardless of corn price. Using $5 per bushel as a current round-number example, that puts silage standing in the field at $38.25 per ton. Producers can substitute their own local harvest corn price when making this calculation.
The standing value accounts for not having to combine or haul grain to market. When looking at silage in the silo, however, harvest, hauling, packing and storage costs need to be added.
The 2026 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates publication shows an average rate of $13.50 per ton for harvesting, hauling and packing silage. Adding that to the $38.25 field value brings the value to $51.75 per ton in the pile. Adding $5 per ton for storage brings the value to $56.75 per ton.
To take the calculation one step further and value silage delivered from storage to the bunk, shrink also needs to be considered. Dry matter losses during fermentation, storage and feedout can range from 10%–20% or more.
Source : unl.edu