Benefits and Downfalls of Grazing Corn Stalks

Grazing corn residue — leaves, husks, and stalks left after harvest — can be a useful tool for Nebraska producers when managed correctly. Long‑term research at the University of Nebraska shows that grazing corn stalks in the fall or winter does not lead to significant soil compaction or measurable declines in soil structure, organic matter, or nutrients, and often leaves enough residue cover (generally less than 20% removal) to protect against erosion and maintain soil health. In some studies, grazed fields even showed no negative impact on subsequent crop yields and slight increases in soil microbial activity that can enhance nutrient cycling. Grazing can also serve as a residue management strategy, helping break down excess plant material while cattle return much of the nutrients they consume back to the field through manure and urine.

However, there are potential downfalls that landowners and tenants should consider. Removing too much residue — especially on fields with low initial stalk volume or steep slopes — can reduce ground cover and potentially increase wind or water erosion risk if not managed carefully. Grazing on wet or thawing soils can create surface roughness or localized compaction that might temporarily affect seed placement or early spring operations, and even though overall compaction effects are generally minimal, timing and stocking density matter. Planning grazing rotation, monitoring residue levels, and coordinating stocking rates helps ensure that soil protection goals are met while still capturing the benefits of stalk grazing.