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Standing Corn Snow Fences in Iowa

With and without a standing corn snow fence
Standing Corn Snow Fence Sign

  Standing Corn Snow Fences

The Iowa Department of Transportation has been putting up road signs to alert drivers about standing corn snow fences that help keep roads clear in winter.  Siouxland Public Media’s Mary Hartnett has this report.

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Standing corn snow fences help keep blowing and drifting snow off of state highways and interstates. The corn fence program requires farmers to leave six rows of corn stalks standing approximately 200 feet from the highway centerline. The state is paying out nearly 180-thousand dollars to farmers that put up the fences this year.  The fences can also help crops by adding moisture to fields, reducingsoil erosion, and conserving wildlife.  The snow fences are also being used in Southwest Minnesota. For Siouxland Public Media, I’m Mary Hartnett. 

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