Corn Knocked Down from High Winds

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

Corn downed by high winds on October 31, 2013.
Image courtesy Eric Baker

October left with a blast. High winds across the state blew in odd directions and over some corn fields. We knew this was going to be a risk this fall. The heavy ears, shallow roots and slow drydown all created a risk for downed corn. The high winds also brought rains, meaning that harvest will not resume for several days. What can we do now?

We can start by inspecting fields. Identify the fields where corn is down and fields where corn is standing. If corn is standing, check stalk strength with the grab test. (Grab the corn stalks at shoulder height, pull or push about 18 inches off center and release. If the corn stalks remain upright, stalk strength is good. If not, stalk strength is weaker.) Identify the grain moisture in all fields.

Images of Downed Corn

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

I visited a couple fields in central Kentucky today that had downed corn. The common theme was that the fields hurt the most by the wind were also hurt by dry weather. The lack of water compromised the stalks. The stalks were very susceptible to strong winds or other weather events that might knock corn down. Much of the corn was bent over at about 20 inches above the ground. This will allow the kernels on the ears to dry a little. But, harvesting the corn at high moisture is still necessary to reduce further losses. 

Corn Knocked down by Storms

Chad Lee and Jim Herbek, Extension Agronomists, University of Kentucky

Strong winds this past weekend knocked down corn in central Kentucky. Much of that corn was in the dent stage (growth stage R5) and had not reached blacklayer (growth stage R6). Those kernels will prematurely reach black layer and will be lightweight. Furthermore, these kernels will be above 35 percent grain moisture, but drydown will be hindered. Many fields across the Midwest had downed corn in July and that corn was at growth stages where it could recover, some, from the damage. Corn at R5 and R6 is too far along to recover from the damage. The only thing now is to salvage the crop for either grain or silage.