Why are some corn farm fields left to dry out in Kansas?

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Corn farmers are collecting their harvest as summer transitions to fall with some fields looking a little more brown than green.

Lucas Haag with the Kansas State University Research & Extension Office told 27 News some farmers have let their corn fields dry out purposefully prior to harvest. Multiple factors go into the harvesting process that help farmers decide when its time to collect their crops, including the variety of corn they planted.

"Farmers will plant a range of different corn varieties," Haag said. "Some can be harvested earlier than others."

Farmers in Kansas rely on two different types of corn: sweet and field corn. Haag explains that sweet varieties have already been harvested by this point in the year while field corn is mainly used for the production of ethanol and animal feed. The big difference between the two is higher amounts of sugar and starch in sweet and field corn, respectively.

Haag said most people are seeing field corn being harvested now. Letting it dry out prior to being harvested helps with the production process as grain elevators across the state have a preference for grain which is on the drier side.

Wetter grain can result in cash penalties for farmers as it is harder to keep.

"That's just part of the process letting those plants mature and the grains start to dry down," Haag said. "That's just part of it."

Farmers harvest their field corn in sections, usually depending on when they first planted seeds. This makes for less work on the farmers part as they do not have to collect all the corn at the same time and can stagger the process instead.

"Many farmers will purposely spread that out," Haag said. "You don't want everything to be ready at the same time. You don't want to leave it standing in the field too long because you're at risk of the ears falling off or the plants falling over."

Haag also said drivers should be mindful of farmers now as they harvest their crops. Many are driving large vehicles and operating heavy machinery.

"It's always a good time of year to remind people about safety," Haag said. "There's a lot of trucks on the road. Give them some extra space and time."

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. 

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf