Cows on Corn Stalks

During winter in the Midwest, it isn’t out of the ordinary to see herds of cows roaming harvested corn fields. Cows on corn stalks are a great way for farmers and ranchers to use crop residue and extend their grazing season.

In the Midwest we have an abundance of  harvested corn fields about the time that the pasture season is coming to an end. Because of that, many cattlemen find that having their cows graze corn stalks is a great source of feed in the winter time.

Most cows will first graze and find any leftover ears of corn that may have been missed by the combine, before moving onto the husks and leaves.

This article from the University of Nebraska, gives a little more information on the practice of using cows to graze corn stalks.

Also let it be known, no matter where you park in a field or pasture, cows will more than likely start to congregate around the truck. That is because of a few things.

1. Cows are naturally curious.
2. Cows associate the truck with food/minerals.
3. Trucks make good scratching posts.

Just ask my dad about his driver side mirror.

It’s been held together for the past few years with black electrical tape. One summer the bull decided dad’s mirror was the perfect height to scratch between his shoulders.

Dad did not see the humor.

That being said, these girls are not as innocent as they look.

Cows all have different personalities.

Some are a little aloof and quizzical.

And then there are the cows that are always wondering who the weird human is walking around with a camera.

One of those cows is “Red 2”.

Sometimes I feel as though I can read her mind. To which she is saying something along the lines of…

“Hi Chanda! Those boots look cute girl. Oh good you have your camera! Make sure to get my good side.”

“Or, how about I just give you a kiss.”

(Smooch!)

There is nothing better then some cow kisses!

Except maybe a field of cows on corn stalks.

Especially when they don’t judge my bad attempts at selfies with a DSLR camera and super wind swept hair.

It’s no wonder why cows are one thing I’m certainly thankful for in my life.