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C.O.R.N Newsletter 2008-32
     September 22, 2008 - September 30, 2008


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Information on Harvesting Downed Corn
by Peter Thomison, Randall Reeder

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As a result of the high winds associated with Hurricane Ike on September 14, we’ve received many questions about lodged corn and best approaches for harvesting downed corn. There are several good informational sources available to provide specific tips for equipment and operational management to minimize harvest losses.

Lodged Corn 2008 - webpage created by the University of Kentucky which is
a clearinghouse for information related to lodged corn with links to articles, tools, etc. related to harvesting lodged corn. Available online at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/Briefs/Corn_LodgedClearinghouse2008.htm.

Nielsen, R.L. (Bob). 2008. References for Harvesting Lodged Corn. Corny News Network, Purdue Univ. [On-line]. Available at http://www.kingcorn.org/news/articles.08/HarvLodgedCorn-0918.html.

Greg Roth, Penn State University, has tips for harvesting down corn. This web site also has a list of 8 companies that sell equipment for picking up downed corn: http://cornandsoybeans.psu.edu/winddamagemanagement.cfm.

Sam McNeil, University of Kentucky Extension Ag. Engineer, summarized cost comparisons for harvesting down corn at higher moistures and using heated-air drying: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/Briefs/Corn_Lodged2008HarvestOptions.htm.

Dale Hicks, University of Minnesota, has information on harvesting corn at an angle to the rows, matching the direction of lodging: http://www.extension.umn.edu/cropenews/2004/04MNCN24.htm.

Marion Calmer of Calmer Corn Heads, Inc. listed 18 tips for harvesting down corn. Most are specific adjustments or minor changes to the corn head: http://www.calmercornheads.com/cornHeads_downcorn.htm.

Safety will be an issue this fall. Because of down corn, harvest will drag on longer than usual, the header will plug more often, and operator stress and frustration will be high. Under these conditions it is more important than ever to emphasize safety. Perhaps tape safety reminders at various places (in the combine cab, truck cab, and dryer area, for example). When a problem arises, count to 10 before exiting the combine cab.

Operating in a safe, deliberate manner may extend harvest by a week or two. That may seem excessive, but compare it to the delay that could result from a major injury.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter by signing up at http://agcrops.osu.edu/services/email.html. E-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing or no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.


Information presented above and where trade names are used, they are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.

TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868

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