Assessing forage crop damage from recent weather events

Corn silage is reaching an important stage in is growth which has coincided with excess stress from weather events in many areas. It is an important time to get out and assess your fields. Document the timing of pollination to aid in estimating harvest timing as well as assessing the impacts of rainfall on nitrogen status.

Reports of isolated crop damage due to recent weather events range from flooding to hail to wind. While some of these events have impacted relatively small areas in NY, the damage is greater in other areas of the Northeast. Regardless of whether it impacted a few acres or several fields, it is helpful to get out and scout your crops.

If you are still within the window of opportunity to replant your crop, switch to another crop, or if you want to destroy the crop for any reason (such as planting a cover crop), contact your crop insurance agent and let him or her know your intentions immediately. Your crop insurance company must have an opportunity to inspect the crop and release the acres. Destroying your crop before the company releases the acres could result in your claim being denied. Review Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance guidance from USDA.

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ASSESSING FORAGE CROP DAMAGE