By Daniel Martens
Extension Corn Agronomist Jeff Coulter offered some reminders recently about selecting seed for the 2017 crop. Hybrid selection is one of the most important agronomic decisions for corn production. Results from the 2016 University of Minnesota corn grain performance trials are available at: z.umn.edu/2016UMNcornyields. You might also search for “Minnesota Extension Soybeans.”
Hybrids that consistently perform well over multiple locations or years in a region are preferred because next year’s growing conditions are uncertain. Consider trial results from multiple sources, including universities, grower associations, seed companies, and on-farm strip trials. You can look for “variety trials” listed at the top of the MN Corn Growers website at www.mncorn.org. There may be variety trial data from neighboring state universities that might be relevant to for some Minnesota farms — for example, University of Wisconsin Variety Trials.
Identify an acceptable maturity range based on the growing degree days (GDDs) required for a hybrid to reach maturity. Hybrids should reach maturity at least 10 days before the first average freeze to allow time for grain dry-down and to provide a buffer in a cool year or if planting is delayed. Information on GDDs available for corn production for various locations and planting dates, and on the relationship between GDDs and corn maturity can be found by searching for “Minnesota Extension Corn” and then looking under “selecting corn hybrids for grain.” Or again call your county office.
Plant multiple hybrids of varying maturity to spread risk and widen the harvest interval. Very full-season hybrids do not consistently out-yield mid-season hybrids in Minnesota. There is more grain yield variability among hybrids in a given relative maturity group than there is between maturity groups.
Select hybrids according to agronomic traits including suitability for a given crop rotation, emergence, root strength, standability, and tolerance to diseases, drought, insect pests, and herbicides. Standability is a key trait if higher planting rates are used and if there are dry (or maybe very wet) late-season conditions.
I’ll add a couple notes that might be useful to consider:
- Seed discounts may be a good opportunity to save some money on what you spend to grow the 2017 crop. I realize it may be difficult in some cases to get, or to want to use credit for early seed purchases. Creditors who know there are working with a farm for operating loan for the next crop might encourage taking advantage of early order discounts.
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