Prevent animal damage by not planting in risky areas. Contact your local conservation agent for suggestions when animal control is desired. Kernels should be fully developed and show a milky liquid when punctured. As the field matures, a few ears should be examined daily to determine the proper time for picking. Second or third pickings may be necessary, depending upon variety.
Check ears daily for proper maturity.
At 86 degrees F, half the sugar is lost within 24 hours. If the harvested corn is left in large piles or tightly packed without adequate cooling, it can heat up and spoil within a few hours. For the best quality, harvest early in the morning while the corn is cool. Super or ultra sweet corn varieties retain sweetness much longer. These varieties have traditional sweet corn flavor and texture.