Beginner Gardening: 2nd Year Asparagus, 1 by fodder

fodder wrote:
Hello folks!
Here is my asparagus. This is its second season, so I have not cut any yet. I'm waiting for next year.
Last year, I let it all go to fern like this, and then some of the plants went to seed at the end of the season.
This year, some of it is going to seed much, much earlier. Too early?
Should I keep these stalks with all the seeds on them, or cut them down?
Are they helping to feed the roots? Or just bleeding them of nutrients?
Also...next year, when I begin to harvest...Can I cut the asparagus as they come up? Or do I want to leave some of them to go to fern to keep feeding the roots?
I appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance. :-)