A stripper plate for use with a corn head row unit includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is substantially flat such that the lateral surface of the front portion is parallel to the ground surface. The rear portion is integrally formed with the first portion and is beveled downward toward the ground surface. The interface between the front portion and the rear portion may be a gradually beveled area wherein the downward slope of the stripper plate increases along its length from the front thereof to the rear thereof.