Estimating a Value for Corn Stover

Price per ton Corn stover can substitute for medium quality mixed hay in a ration for wintering beef cows, if a protein supplement such as dried distillers grains (DDGS) is added. Table 1 shows two recommended rations, with and without corn stover, for 1,200-pound and 1,400-pound beef cows. Comparing the two rations for each cow weight, each ton of corn stalks added to the ration substitutes for about 1.16 tons of legume-grass hay. Plus, an additional 0.22 tons of DDGS are added. Thus, the value of a ton of stover can be equated to the value of 1.16 tons of mixed hay, minus the value of 0.22 tons of DDGS.