The silage density calculator estimates wet tonnage, dry matter tonnage, and feed days from silo or bunker dimensions and packing density. Knowing how much silage you have on hand helps you plan feed inventories and determine if you need to buy additional feed before the next harvest.
Silage Tonnage Calculator
How to Estimate Silage Tonnage
Knowing how many tons of silage you have determines whether your inventory is sufficient to last until the next harvest. This silage density calculator estimates tonnage from physical dimensions and packing density for bunkers, tower silos, and silage bags.
Improving Silage Density
Higher density means more tons of feed in the same space and better fermentation with less oxygen. Achieve higher density by applying forage in thin layers (6 inches or less), using adequate packing tractor weight (800 lbs per ton of silage delivered per hour), and packing immediately as forage is delivered. Well-packed bunker silage at 50 lbs/ft³ holds about 25% more than loosely packed at 40 lbs/ft³.
Dry Matter and Nutrient Calculation
Dry matter content determines nutrient density — silage at 30% DM has lower energy and protein per wet ton than silage at 40% DM. When comparing silage from different farms or years, always compare on a dry matter basis. The calculator shows both wet tons (physical weight in the silo) and dry matter tons (actual nutritional inventory).
FAQ
Is this silage calculator free?
Yes, completely free. All calculations run locally in your browser.
What is the typical density of corn silage?
Well-packed corn silage in a bunker silo is typically 40–50 lbs per cubic foot (640–800 kg/m³). Upright (tower) silos can achieve 30–40 lbs/ft³. Silage bags typically pack to 14–18 lbs/ft³. Density increases with proper packing equipment and thin layer application.
How many tons of silage does a cow eat per day?
A lactating dairy cow eats 40–60 lbs (18–27 kg) of corn silage per day. A beef cow in winter may eat 30–40 lbs/day. At 50% dry matter, that's about 0.015–0.025 wet tons per head per day.
What is dry matter percentage of corn silage?
Corn silage is typically harvested and stored at 60–70% moisture (30–40% dry matter). Target DM at harvest is 32–38% for bunkers and bags, and 35–40% for upright silos. DM content affects fermentation quality, density, and nutrient concentration.
How do I calculate silage tonnage from bunker dimensions?
Tonnage = length × width × depth × density / 2000. For a 100 ft × 30 ft × 8 ft bunker at 45 lbs/ft³: 100 × 30 × 8 × 45 = 1,080,000 lbs ÷ 2000 = 540 wet tons.