MnDOT paying farmers for standing corn stalks

800px-Corn_stalks_in_Benton_County,_IndianaMinnesota transportation officials are offering to pay farms who leave corn stalks standing along highways this winter.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) says standing corn stalks will help keep snow from drifting by breaking the wind’s force and limiting snow from blowing onto roads.

Farmers have an opportunity to earn money on a per-acre basis if they leave six to 20 rows of corn stalks standing.

Ideally, MnDOT would like the help from farmers with fields to the north and west of highways where snow drifting often causes problem. Farmers make a one-season commitment from October until mid-April.

Regardless if farmers leave their corn stalks standing or not, there’s no doubt Minnesota will have its snowplows ready for action when the snow starts falling this winter.