By Scout Nelson
Kansas corn farmers are busy harvesting their crops as summer gives way to October, and the fields are beginning to appear more brown than green. According to Lucas Haag of the Kansas State University Research & Extension Office, some farmers are purposefully letting their maize dry up before harvesting.“Farmers will plant a range of different corn varieties,” Haag told 27 News. “Some can be harvested earlier than others.”
Farmers consider several factors when deciding the best time to harvest their crops, including the type of corn they planted. In Kansas, there are two main types of corn: sweet corn and field corn. Sweet corn, which is popular for its high sugar content, has already been harvested earlier in the summer. This type of corn is typically grown for direct human consumption.
Field corn, on the other hand, remains in the field longer and is mostly harvested in the fall. It is primarily used for producing ethanol, animal feed, and other industrial products. Unlike sweet corn, field corn has a higher starch content, making it less suitable for eating fresh but highly valuable for other uses.
Haag explains that the decision to harvest is a careful balance of timing and corn variety. Farmers often plant a mix of corn varieties, allowing them to spread out the harvest period. This helps manage resources, reduce risks from weather, and optimize the crop’s quality. Farmers look at the moisture level of the corn and the overall condition of the plants when determining the perfect time to start harvesting.
Harvest season is a critical time for farmers as they work against the clock and weather conditions to bring in their crops. While sweet corn has already reached dinner tables, field corn is being prepared for its journey to processing plants and feed mills, marking another successful season for Kansas farmers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn