I can see your point, please note your location compared to mine.    We have guys that drive down your way in mid march to play golf.  Our courses usually have white stuff in spots, and are hard as cement due to 1-3 feet of frost.   Lucky to get in 18 here untill mid April...........Can take your sweatshirt off in mid May.

Chopping or not will work...........for corn on corn Id like it a "bit" (not all) black in the fall so the planter tractor won't sink to the frame come April 15.

Good Luck