An apparatus (72) and method for automatically controlling the settings of an adjustable crop residue discharge system of an agricultural combine (20) is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor (51), an actuator (50), and a controller (74). The sensor (51) detects a position of a residue deflector (49/53, 54) and/or a speed of the residue discharge system. The actuator (50) operatively controls the residue deflector (49/53, 54) to adjustably position the residue deflector (49/53, 54). The controller (74) is operatively connected to the sensor (51) and actuator (50). The controller (74) includes a memory (76), a speed input device (62), a position input device (84), and a mode input device (86). The controller (74) is configured to store in memory (76) a plurality of positions and speeds of the residue discharge system and automatically adjust the positions and speeds of the residue discharge system upon receiving an input to change to headland mode.
