Downed Corn? Prepare Your Corn Head for Maximum Yields

4 Tips for Harvesting Wind-Damaged Corn

Chris Rewerts, Master Tech at Birkey's Farm Store in Henry, gives four quick equipment adjustments that will increase yields from wind-damaged fields.

1. Remove Ear Savers

If the corn is significantly damaged, take off ear savers on your corn head.

A unique feature of the Geringhoff corn head  is an ear saver at the top of each snout. It is best to remove these before harvesting downed corned. Because the poly is smooth enough, most downed corn will ride up the smooth poly and into the corn head if these ear savers are removed.

2. Pivot Feederface to Flatten Corn Head Angle 

If corn is downed in a direction other than "with the row," it is best to roll your feederface back. Loosen the bolts and allow the feederface to pivot. This flattens the corn head's approach. Consult your corn head manual to determine the proper degree.

3. Adjust Speed of Roller Cones/Snails

The roller cones are very important for downed corn. Adjust the speed of the roller to cones until you find a pace that prevents corn from bunching. When they are working well, the roller cones will whip corn into the corn head that otherwise may have fallen to the side.

4. Use a Corn Reel

A corn reel isn't always necessary, but when wind-damage is severe, it can prevent build-up on the head by helping to feed the downed corn into the corn head.

If you have downed corn, call or stop by your local Birkey's for more tips.