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As fall progresses, the question of when to harvest corn becomes a critical decision. With unpredictable weather patterns, the temptation to delay harvest, hoping for natural field drying and reduced drying costs, can be strong.
However, waiting until spring to harvest corn, while seemingly appealing in certain scenarios, carries significant risks that often outweigh the potential benefits.
The ideal moisture content for corn harvest typically falls between 18% and 23%. Harvesting within this range minimizes both field losses and the cost of artificial drying. As corn dries down in the field, kernels become more brittle, increasing the likelihood of shatter losses at the combine head.
Plus, weakened stalks from prolonged exposure to elements can lead to lodging and dropped ears, leaving valuable bushels on the ground. Research suggests that for every percentage point drop in moisture below the optimal range, you can see a loss of 0.5 to 5 bushels per acre, even in the absence of obvious lodging.
Leaving corn standing in the field through the winter exposes it to a gauntlet of potential damages.
Weather Deterioration: Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, combined with winter winds, can significantly degrade stalk quality, leading to severe lodging. Heavy snowfalls can flatten fields, making spring harvest incredibly difficult, if not impossible, and drastically increasing mechanical harvest losses.
Disease and Pests: Prolonged exposure in the field provides ample opportunity for molds and fungi to develop, particularly if the corn was harvested at higher moisture levels or if the winter is mild and wet. These can reduce grain quality and potentially lead to mycotoxin contamination, making the corn unsuitable for certain uses or requiring significant discounts. Wildlife, such as deer and birds, can also cause considerable yield loss throughout the winter months.
"Phantom Yield Loss": While a somewhat debated topic, some report a phenomenon known as "phantom yield loss" when corn is left in the field to dry to very low moisture levels (e.g., 15-19% or lower). This refers to a reduction in observed yield that can't be fully accounted for by physical losses like dropped ears. While respiration in kernels does slow considerably below 30% moisture, some dry matter loss can still occur, particularly in warmer conditions.
The core of the "wait until spring" debate often boils down to a financial calculation: will the cost of drying this fall outweigh the revenue lost from winter crop damage?
Consider an example: if corn is at 25% moisture in the fall and needs to be dried down to 15.5% for safe storage or market acceptance, you're removing 9.5 points of moisture. While propane and electricity costs can fluctuate, drying typically costs between $0.03 to $0.06 per bushel per point of moisture removed. So, for that 9.5-point reduction, you could be looking at $0.28 to $0.57 per bushel in drying costs.
Now, compare that to potential winter damage. Studies have shown that in severe winters with heavy snowfall, yield losses from leaving corn in the field until April can exceed 30-40%. Even in an "average" winter, losses of 10-25% are not uncommon due to lodging, ear drop, and wildlife. If corn is worth $4.50 per bushel, a 10% yield loss translates to $0.45 per bushel, and a 25% loss is a staggering $1.12 per bushel.
In most scenarios, the potential revenue lost from winter crop damage, including yield loss, quality discounts, and increased harvest difficulty, far surpasses the cost of drying. While a dryer bill may be an immediate expenditure, it secures the vast majority of yield in good condition, allowing for stable storage and timely marketing.
While the allure of Mother Nature doing the drying for free is understandable, the risks associated with leaving corn in the field until spring are substantial. The potential for significant yield loss due to weather, pests, and disease, coupled with increased harvest difficulties and quality degradation, generally makes delayed harvest an economically unsound decision.
Investing in timely harvest and artificial drying, even with the associated costs, generally remains the most prudent strategy for maximizing profitability and minimizing headaches.
To protect your corn crop from pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, and to maximize its yield potential, explore FBN's comprehensive range of crop protection and crop nutrition solutions. Our products are designed to help you achieve optimal crop health and productivity - plus, you can order 24/7 from our online platform at FBN.com.
Crop Protection Products: Explore FBN's selection of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides to defend your crops against threats.
Crop Nutrition Products: Discover a variety of fertilizers, biostimulants, and micronutrients to ensure your crops receive the essential nutrients they need for strong growth.
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