My first thought is corn smut. Scroll down to pests and diseases…

https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/corn-maize/infos

tj

ETA- Houzz may be blocking keyword for now.

Sounds like corn smut ( Ustilago maydis ) It is edible and considered a delicacy in some areas. Huitlacoche (Corn Smut) & How To Eat It | Travel Food Atlas corn smut - Bing images

That's some nasty looking smut? that's infecting the stalk, mine always forms on the ears.

I just looked at the pictures of the links provided. Yes, corn smut it is! Just opened one of the cobs and found this ! Neither one of us want to eat it....although it may be a delicacy...Thank you all for your help!

I guess we won't be growing corn next year as the fungus will be in the soil... I had already noticed this in last years crop, but not as pronounced. ...

Or, would any one of you know if corn resistant to this fungus would be safe to grow in the same location?

doris, it may be too late, but I get a few ears with smut each year and I still plant corn in that area. I do try to move things around in my garden and not use the exact same space each year. My garden is about an acre, but I plant corn every year and every year I get a few with smut. I don't seem to get fewer smutty ears or more of them, no matter where I plant the corn.

Annie