As production costs continue to rise across the beef industry, cow-calf producers are constantly seeking practical ways to stretch resources. Feed remains the most significant expense, accounting for up to 65% of total costs. One increasingly popular solution is grazing corn residue—a strategy that provides a cost-effective forage option during the fall and winter months.
Why Corn Residue?
With the expansion of corn acreage across many farming regions, the availability of corn residue after harvest has become more widespread. After the corn is harvested, what remains in the field—stalks, leaves, husks, cobs, and downed ears—can serve as a valuable forage resource. Although cattle won’t consume all of the residue, they will selectively graze the most palatable and nutritious parts, primarily the husks, leaves, and any downed ears.
Roughly 50 pounds of residue is left on the field per bushel of corn harvested. For example, a 120-bushel-per-acre yield could result in around 6,000 pounds of residue, of which about 1,500 pounds may be consumable by cattle. Depending on grain yield and grazing efficiency, this can provide 40 to 60 days of grazing per acre for a cow.
Nutritional Considerations
Corn residue offers moderate forage quality. While husks and leaves provide decent energy content, the cobs and stalks are low in digestibility and protein. Over time, as cattle consume the more desirable components, the overall nutrient profile of their diet declines. Supplementation with protein and minerals becomes necessary—especially for gestating cows.
Average nutrient content shows that corn husks and leaves are the most valuable components, while stalks and cobs lag behind in digestibility and protein. As a result, grazing strategies must consider not only the quantity of available residue but also its changing quality over time.
Advantages of Grazing Corn Residue
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Extended Grazing Season: Cattle can graze long into winter as long as snow or ice doesn’t limit access to forage.
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Reduced Feed Costs: Letting cows harvest their own feed in the field helps reduce labor, fuel, and equipment usage.
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Selective Grazing: Cattle naturally select the higher-quality plant parts, improving nutrient intake during the early grazing period.
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Soil Health: Despite concerns, research has shown that winter grazing typically does not lead to long-term soil compaction or reduce subsequent yields.
Challenges to Consider
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Fencing and Water: Many cornfields are unfenced and lack water sources. Electric fencing and portable water tanks can resolve these issues.
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Low Nutrient Content: Corn residue is low in protein, calcium, phosphorus, trace minerals, and vitamin A. Supplementation is essential.
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Acidosis Risk: High levels of downed ears or standing corn can increase the risk of acidosis. Adapt cattle gradually and avoid introducing hungry cows to fields with excess grain.
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Harvested Residue (Corn Stover): When grazing isn’t feasible, corn residue can be baled and fed. However, the stalk-heavy composition of baled residue lowers its nutritional value and palatability. It’s best used as part of a mixed ration and not as the sole forage source.
Grazing Strategies
To maximize the benefits of corn residue:
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Start grazing fields that are farther from your facilities early in the season.
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Use electric fencing to manage grazing areas and improve residue utilization.
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Supplement cattle in-field when needed to reduce hauling and enhance animal health.
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Monitor weather conditions closely to adjust grazing plans as snow or ice accumulates.
Bt vs. Conventional Corn
Corn residue from Bt varieties usually contains fewer downed ears compared to conventional varieties, which means lower energy availability in the field. However, the nutrient composition of the plant parts themselves—husks, leaves, stalks—is comparable between both types.
Pricing Considerations
When leasing cornfields for grazing, consider:
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Fencing and water setup
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Shelter availability
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Supplement and care responsibilities
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Proximity to your farm
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Accessibility for cattle transport
Each situation is different, so develop clear agreements in writing that suit both parties’ needs.
Final Thoughts
Corn residue presents a valuable opportunity to extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs in cow-calf operations. With proper planning, supplementation, and field management, producers can turn post-harvest cornfields into a reliable winter feed source while preserving land productivity and improving bottom-line results.
