Why are some cornfields left to dry out?

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

Lucas Haag with the Kansas State University Research & Extension Office told Nexstar's KSNT that some farmers have let their cornfields dry out purposefully before harvest. Multiple factors go into the harvesting process that help farmers decide when it's 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, including those in Kansas, rely on two types of corn: sweet and field. The big difference between the two is higher amounts of sugar and starch in sweet and field corn, respectively. Field corn is mainly used for the production of ethanol and animal feed.

In most areas, sweet corn has already been harvested, Haag explains.

Field corn is next, unless it's already been collected. Letting it dry out prior to being harvested can help with the production process. Dry grain is generally easier to keep, while wet grain can more difficult, making it more expensive.

"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."

You may also see parts of a field seemingly left behind. That, too, is intentional.

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."