Volunteer Corn Management: A Sustainable Approach
BROOKINGS, S.D. — Volunteer corn is a common issue, but integrating livestock into your farming strategy could offer a simple solution.
Volunteer corn often arises from leftover corn grain in fields, which germinates and grows into unwanted plants. However, livestock can play a significant role in managing this problem.
"Because they are selective grazers and they are going to go after that corn grain and those husks and leaves first," explains Kim Ricardo, forage field specialist with South Dakota State University Extension.
This practice offers multiple benefits. Firstly, it helps reduce the amount of volunteer corn in subsequent crops. Additionally, it may decrease the need for herbicides to manage the volunteer corn.
Ricardo notes that volunteer corn problems tend to increase after dry years, as drought stress weakens plants and increases the likelihood of lodged or dropped ears, leaving corn grain behind.
Beyond managing volunteer corn, grazing crop residue can provide an alternative feed source, which is particularly valuable as feed costs rise.
"Grazing corn residue is a really useful feed resource for livestock producers... it can be a really great way to extend grazing days," Ricardo says. “So there’s that potential with it, but then also those extended grazing days kind of allow us to maybe preserve our harvested feed inventory that might be limited or stretched following a dry period."
Moreover, having livestock on harvested crop fields can be beneficial for soil health. Ricardo emphasizes that livestock are a valuable source of nutrients, promoting soil nutrient cycling.
Although some producers worry about soil compaction from livestock, Ricardo assures that research has shown minimal impact on compaction when grazing corn residue, as long as it's not done when fields are wet or frozen.
Ricardo adds that grazing corn residue may even enhance yields in subsequent crops, like soybeans, though this isn't a consistent result.
Stocking rates for grazing residue will depend on factors like available acreage and residue quantity, requiring collaboration between livestock producers and farmers.