Best Management Practices for Corn Production in South Dakota: Corn Grain Harvest

Corn (grain) harvest can begin when grain moisture drops below 30%. However, most producers will allow corn to dry in the field until grain moisture is between 18 to 25%. Harvesting corn when grain moisture levels are high can result in excessive drying costs, kernel damage, and harvest loss from improper threshing. Allowing corn to stay in the field too long can result in excess harvest loss from stalk lodging, ear drop, or kernel shattering. An optimal harvest depends not only on the condition of the crop but also on the proper maintenance and adjustment of harvest and grain handling and drying equipment. This chapter provides guidance for assessing harvest losses and kernel damage to determine if equipment adjustment is necessary to minimize losses.