Guidelines for
 Cribbing Ear Corn

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Recently, we've had several questions come to our office regarding recommendations for cribbing ear corn. As with other forms of storage, kernel moisture is the determining factor. Here is the current set of UW recommendations:

1. Kernel moisture less than 16%: No problem---any place, any time. Keep insects and rodents out of storage facility.

2. Kernel moisture between 16 - 20%: Should have no problem if stored in a narrow crib (6 ft.) and if fines have been removed or evenly distributed.

3. Kernel moisture between 20 - 25%: Potential problem unless fines are removed and cribbed during cool weather (daily high less than 40 degrees F). Narrow crib exposed to wind is required.

4. Kernel moisture between 25 - 30%: Crib when frozen. Soft ears, fines and husks should be removed. Potential problems can occur when mixing ground material. Freezing in feed bins is likely, as is molding when temperatures rise above freezing. Recrib in spring and possibly treat with propionic acid for storage after March 15th.

5. Kernel moisture over 30%: Requires very good management. Need to handle it by methods other than cribbing. Possible heat and mold during cold months unless corn is frozen when cribbed and kept frozen. Numerous problems can occur when grinding and storing this material for feeding. Acid treatment or drying is recommended.