Producers cannot rely on grazing corn residue as in the past

Kristen Sindelar
Nov 22, 2023
Nov 22, 2023

Corn residue grazing — Cattle from Hanson Red Angus near Jasper, Minn., graze corn stubble.
Tri-State Neighbor photo by Janelle Atyeo

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Corn residue to the cow-calf producer is like an oasis to the wary desert traveler. As feed sources dwindled early this summer and into the fall, producers awaited corn harvest knowing that soon they could turn cows out onto stalks.

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Corn residue 1.JPG — How long cattle can graze corn residue in a field may not be as long as in the past due to adaptations in corn hybrids.
Submitted photo

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Corn residue 2.jpg — Windblown husks and leaves may mean that cattle no longer have access to high-nutrient corn residue in the field they are grazing.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.