Understanding Crop Residue Management and Lease Considerations

Allan Vyhnalek, Nebraska Extension Educator Emeritus, discusses crop residue management and how it relates to leases. He shares valuable management tips and advice on handling crop residue in various situations. Types of Residue Vyhnalek explains the different types of residue, including corn residue and soybean residue. Soybean residue has some value for bedding and extending feed for cattle and sheep, but it is low in nutrition. Corn residue, on the other hand, is good for bedding and can be used as a feed source for ruminants, either by grazing or grinding into rations. Grazing corn residue is a great way to utilize crops. Vyhnalek emphasizes the benefits of grazing for both the farmer and the cattle. Grazing corn residue does not cause soil compaction and offers a valuable feed source for cattle. If a tenant sublets the corn residue for grazing, it's important to consider how the lease is set up and whether the landlord should receive compensation. Residue When harvesting corn residue in bales, Vyhnalek advises against being too aggressive with the rake to prevent soil erosion. He also recommends rotating the fields from which corn residue is harvested to avoid depleting organic matter and micronutrients in the soil. Lease Considerations Whether a landlord should receive compensation for crop residue depends on the type of lease (cash rent or crop share). Vyhnalek advises having clear communication and understanding of the lease provisions before the lease starts to avoid confusion and surprises. For more land and leasing resources from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Ag Profitability, visit https://cap.unl.edu/land.