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Iowa’s Standing Corn Program returns for another year

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Standing Corn Program is back for another year.

The program pays farmers to leave rows of corn along state highways, as a natural snow fence, to help prevent blowing and drifting.

The DOT’s Craig Bargfrede says the program focuses on trouble spots.

“It helps us significantly in treating those areas,” says Bargfrede. “It helps with the drifting, helps with visibility, and allows us to be able to keep the area safe for the traveling public.”

The Iowa DOT pays farmers five dollar a bushel for up to 24 rows of corn left in the field. Last year, the program had 86 participants and paid out around 150-thousand dollars.

“We have budgeted that same amount of funds for this winter season and we’ve gotten a significant number of new participants who have contacted us this year and are interested in signing up and participating in the program.”

For more information about the Standing Corn Program, contact the Iowa DOT.

AUDIO: Craig Bargfrede