Silage is generally harvested on corn that hasn't produced all that much in the way of Ears. While I don't know what all farmers do, this is what all the farmers I know did. I know that silage general came from corn that was sorta short growth(like 60 day corn or whatever) and was harvested after 45 days.(something like that)
I imagine you are correct. I was assuming that it was for silage.
For years I have seen corn being harvested when it looks like it has died. I assumed it was for silage as it was just harvested whole.
Maybe they let it dry in the field for cornmeal or popcorn.