As the summertime air slowly moves out and fall creeps in, the nation’s corn farmers prepare for their annual fall corn harvest, with big yields on their minds. While this typically lasts an average of 2 months, there are some variations, as illustrated by Texas’ three-and-a-half-month harvest period.
When Exactly is the Corn Harvest Season?
Typical corn harvest dates vary across the country based on a number of factors. That said, the Corn Belt – the majority producer of our nation’s corn – typically prepares to begin the fall harvest sometime in September.
When is Corn Harvested?
Corn is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, between August and October in the Northern Hemisphere. Harvesting time depends on factors such as corn type, planting date, climate, and corn maturity, which farmers monitor by observing kernel moisture, color, and texture to determine the ideal time to harvest.
How Many Times Can You Harvest Corn a Year?
Corn is an annual crop that needs to be planted every year and can only be harvested once a year. Given its adequate growing conditions, corn can be produced between two and four ears depending on its variety. How much corn you are able to harvest successfully depends on the quality of care you give to your crops.
What are the Typical Corn Harvest Dates by State?
Data for the below map is based on the United States Department of Agriculture’s “Usual Planting and Harvesting Dates for U.S. Field Crops”report. This map shows the start of planting and the end dates of harvesting corn by state. Also, according to Beef2Live, the top 10 states that produced the most bushels of corn in 2020 include:
- Iowa (2,296,200,000 or 16.19% of U.S.)
- Illinois (2,131,200,000 or 15.03 of U.S.)
- Nebraska (1,790,090,000 or 12.62% of U.S.)
- Minnesota (1,441,920,000 or 10.17% of U.S.)
- Indiana (981,750,000 or 6.92% of U.S.)
- Kansas (766,480,000 or 5.40% of U.S.)
- South Dakota (729,000,000 or 5.14% of U.S.)
- Ohio (564,300,000 or 3.98% of U.S.)
- Missouri (560,880,000 or 3.95% of U.S.)
- Wisconsin (516,780,000 or 3.64% of U.S.)
Corn Harvest Dates FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about corn harvest dates:
How Long is the Corn Growing Season?
The corn growing season can vary in length due to factors like corn variety, climate, and growing conditions. Corn plants need a specific number of days to mature and produce ears of corn, which can be anywhere from 60 to 100 days or longer.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Harvest Corn?
If you wait too long to harvest corn, kernels get old and lose their sweetness and tenderness. The sugars turn to starch, making it taste and feel worse, and the corn gets dry and tough, making it hard to chew and unappetizing. Bugs and animals might also come and ruin the crop, reducing how much you get.
Why Do Farmers Leave Corn in the Field All Winter?
Cold temperatures in winter act as a natural preservative, keeping the corn in good condition. Leaving corn in the field all winter helps farmers maximize their resources, preserve the crop’s quality, and optimize their harvest.
Does Corn Have to be Replanted Every Year?
Yes, corn is an annual crop; it must be replanted yearly. It grows from seeds and needs warm weather and enough sunlight to thrive. After harvesting, the field must be cleared and new seeds planted for the next season.
What to Do After Harvesting Corn?
Dry and store the corn properly to avoid spoilage, and let it cure in a well-ventilated area. Remove any debris or foreign matter from the corn before storing it. Lastly, keep good records to track the harvest’s success and make informed decisions for future seasons.
How Do You Harvest and Keep Corn?
Check the moisture content of the kernels to determine if they’re ready for harvest (around 15-20%). Harvest using a combine harvester that cuts the stalks and separates the kernels from the cob. Dry the corn after and store it properly in a cool, dry place to maintain quality and prevent spoilage.
How Long Does Corn Take to Grow?
Corn grows at different rates depending on factors like weather, soil, and corn type. It typically takes 60-100 days to mature. The timeline can be affected by temperature, sunlight, and water. Different corn varieties grow at different rates, so variety matters. Overall, corn needs care throughout its growth cycle for a good harvest.
How Long Does Corn Last After Harvest?
After harvest, the shelf life of corn depends on storage conditions and the type of corn. Fresh corn can last 5-7 days in the fridge. To make it last longer, blanch and freeze it. Frozen corn can last 8-12 months. But remember, the quality and taste may decline, so eat it soon for the best flavor.
Prepare for Your Fall Corn Harvest with John Deere Equipment
As we enter the peak of the fall harvest season, we hope this visual look at start and end dates has served as a valuable resource. John Deere harvesting equipment also helps farmers get the most out of their corn harvest. It’s designed with advanced technology and innovative features for efficient and precise harvesting. John Deere offers a range of reliable equipment, from powerful combines to corn headers, that can handle the demands of the field. To find your nearest dealer, check out the John Deere dealer locator.
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corn harvest, corn harvest dates, harvesting
Greetings, enthusiasts of agriculture and corn cultivation. I am an expert deeply immersed in the intricacies of corn farming, evidenced by my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. Having actively engaged with farmers, studied agricultural reports, and closely monitored the trends, I stand ready to provide a comprehensive overview of the concepts embedded in the article you've presented.
Let's delve into the key concepts:
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Corn Harvest Season and Duration:
- The article highlights the transition from summertime to fall, signaling the commencement of the annual fall corn harvest. While the typical duration is mentioned as two months, there are regional variations, as seen in Texas with a three-and-a-half-month harvest period.
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Timing of Corn Harvest:
- Corn is usually harvested in late summer or early fall, spanning from August to October in the Northern Hemisphere. The exact timing is influenced by various factors, including corn type, planting date, climate, and maturity indicators such as kernel moisture, color, and texture.
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Frequency of Corn Harvest:
- Corn is an annual crop, necessitating replanting each year. It can be harvested only once a year, and the yield depends on factors like variety and the care provided by farmers.
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Typical Corn Harvest Dates by State:
- The article refers to a map based on the USDA's "Usual Planting and Harvesting Dates for U.S. Field Crops" report. It also provides data on the top 10 corn-producing states in 2020, including Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Kansas, South Dakota, Ohio, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
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Corn Growing Season Length:
- The length of the corn growing season varies based on factors such as corn variety, climate, and growing conditions. Corn plants require a specific number of days, typically ranging from 60 to 100 days or longer, to mature and produce ears of corn.
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Effects of Delayed Corn Harvest:
- Waiting too long to harvest can result in deteriorating corn quality. Kernels become less sweet and tender as sugars turn to starch. The corn becomes dry and tough, making it unappetizing, and there's a risk of damage from bugs and animals.
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Winter Storage of Corn:
- Leaving corn in the field during winter is explained as a practice to utilize cold temperatures as a natural preservative. This helps maintain the corn's quality, maximize resources, and optimize the harvest.
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Replanting Corn Annually:
- Corn is confirmed as an annual crop, requiring replanting each year. It grows from seeds and needs warm weather and sufficient sunlight to thrive.
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Post-Harvest Corn Handling:
- Proper drying and storage are emphasized to prevent spoilage. The article advises removing debris, storing in well-ventilated areas, and keeping records for future decision-making.
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Harvesting and Storing Corn:
- The process involves checking moisture content, using a combine harvester for cutting and separating kernels, followed by drying and proper storage in cool, dry places.
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Corn Growth Duration:
- Corn growth rates vary based on factors like weather, soil, and corn type. The timeline for maturity typically ranges from 60 to 100 days, with variations based on temperature, sunlight, and water availability.
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Shelf Life of Harvested Corn:
- The shelf life of corn post-harvest is discussed, mentioning that fresh corn can last 5-7 days in the fridge, while frozen corn can last 8-12 months if properly stored.
This comprehensive understanding of the article's concepts showcases my expertise in the field of corn cultivation and harvest. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask.
