A hailstorm has damaged the crop. The decision has been made to salvage what remains. If insured, clearance has been obtained to cut the crop and proper yield check strips are left in the field. If not insured, proceed with salvaging the crop.
When actively growing plants are injured by hail, the root system continues to move water and nutrients into the upper stems and leaves. This includes nitrates. Injured leaves are less efficient in converting nitrate into protein and thus nitrate accumulation occurs. Nitrate levels increase and peak at 4 to 5 days after the injury. Cut immediately, if possible, to minimize accumulation. Otherwise, wait 12 to 14 days for the crop to recover and nitrate levels return to normal.
Depending on the severity of the storm, plant material can be very close to the ground. The temptation is to cut as low to save as much as possible. Cutting too low may introduce dirt into the swath. This can also occur when the pickup height on the rake, silage cutter, or baler is set too close to the ground.
Unfortunately, dirt in the windrow can contain listeria, coliforms, clostridia, salmonella, and fungi (AHDB England). All have the potential to cause health problems. Mucor and Molnila bacterial species found in dirt will cause white molds to form. While these are not poisonous, but they will reduce forage quality and feed intake.
If making greenfeed from the salvage material, ensure that the material is properly cured. If baled tough or damp, heating will occur. When bale temperatures exceed 35o C, the Mailliard reaction occurs. This reaction binds some of the protein to the fibre making it unavailable to the animal. Some of the nitrate can be converted to nitrite. Nitrite is 10 x more toxic than nitrate.
Feed samples should be submitted for analysis. The standard analysis and a nitrate test should be routine. Peas, canola, and brassica crops also require sulfur analysis. Polio is the concern with high sulfur levels.
For additional information on salvaging hailed crops and potential risks, contact Barry at 403-741-6032 or bjyaremcio@gmail.com.
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