Corn helps keep rural Minnesota roads clear in the winter

Corn is both consumed by livestock and converted into homegrown ethanol for our car’s fuel tank. Minnesota corn also helps keeps rural highways clear of snow in the winter.

Wait, what?

Yes, strategically placed standing corn rows that remain up in the winter break the wind’s force and cause snow to collect around the corn rows instead of on the highway. The result is safer roads and fewer road closures in Greater Minnesota, especially in the central and southern part of the state.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), began a program about 15 years ago that encourages farmers to participate. Other organizations have become involved, including the University of Minnesota Extension, 4-H clubs and FFA.

According to research from MnDOT, the University of Minnesota Extension Service and the Center for Transportation Studies, standing corn rows reduced the severity of injuries on curves by 40 percent.

To learn more about standing corn rows contributing to more managable winter-time roads, check out this story on MnDOT’s website.

Minnesota corn: Providing food, feed, fiber and fuel for the world, and keeping our roads safer.