Evaluating The Value of Your Corn Fodder After Harvest

By Andi Anderson

After corn harvest, farmers face a key decision—what to do with the leftover plant material known as fodder or stover. The three main strategies are to leave it in the field, bale it, or graze it. Each option affects soil health, nutrient cycling, and farm economics differently.

Keeping Fodder in the Field

Leaving corn fodder in the field helps prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, and return nutrients to the soil as the residue breaks down.

According to the NRCS, soil cover from leftover stalks can reduce erosion by up to 95%. Removing residue can increase erosion risk by up to 80%, especially on sloping fields.

Iowa State University Extension estimates that soil erosion can cost more than $20 per acre annually due to lost nutrients, yield reduction, and lower land value. The nutrients in fodder—worth about $36 per ton—make keeping it in place a long-term soil investment.

Grazing Corn Fodder

Grazing is a practical way to extend the livestock feeding season and reduce feed costs. For every bushel of corn harvested, roughly 40 pounds of grazeable material remain. Cattle typically eat the grain, husks, and leaves first, then the cobs and stalks.

Adaptive grazing, such as strip grazing, can improve forage use and reduce waste. Nutritional quality declines over time, so grazing soon after harvest—before heavy snow or ice—yields better feed value. Research from Iowa State shows corn fodder can replace about 25 pounds of hay per cow daily, saving money while maintaining feed quality.

Baling Corn Fodder

Baling provides a way to capture fodder as feed or bedding, particularly when fields lack fencing or water. Depending on the method, 50% to 80% of stover can be harvested, yielding 1.8 to 3 bales per acre.

The feed value of baled stover can reach $217 per 1,200-pound bale, while production costs—including nutrient replacement and transportation—average around $63 per bale. Farmers using their own equipment can reduce costs significantly.

Choosing the Best Option

Leaving fodder benefits soil conservation, grazing supports livestock feed needs, and baling provides flexibility where infrastructure is limited. The ideal strategy depends on each farm’s terrain, livestock availability, and market conditions. For personalized guidance, producers are encouraged to consult their local Extension Educator.

By carefully evaluating costs, benefits, and long-term goals, farmers can determine the real worth of their corn fodder and make the best decision for both soil and farm sustainability.

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