Leftover corn stalks

[RuralFarm]

How do you handle corn residue after harvest? Leaving the stalks upright can help catch snowfall, but they can hinder farm implements in the spring when planting or fertilizing. In previous instances, I have either baled the residue for bedding or grazed cattle on it.

 

[Chris T]

During harvest, I chop down the stalks to 12 or 18 inches so that the shortened stalks can collect snowfall and cut down on soil erosion. Doing this also keeps the corn residue in place, resulting in a quicker breakdown into the soil.

 

[Roo4]

We also leave ours in the ground. We cut everything off but about a foot. It does help keep the snow from blowing across the fields. My father always did this and we do too.