The Sharp Edge: Learning from record corn yield estimates

Ontario corn growers could be sitting on record yields for 2021 if yield estimates are on the mark. The recent Great Ontario Yield Tour pegged yield at 191.5 bu/ac after a province-wide inspection of corn fields. On this episode of The Sharp Edge, Maizex Seeds agronomist Greg Stewart looks at some of the sharpest agronomic practices that have fuelled yield expectations. He also notes that many growers can further fine tune their management systems to avoid leaving yield in the field. Stewart explains that the components of  the 191.5 bu/ac estimate include an average ear count of 30,500 per acre, 16.9 rows per plant and an average cob length measured at 34.5 kernels. Stewart believes growers can learn a lot about their management practices by conducting a simple yield tour of their own fields starting with the seed drop at planting — for example, 34,500 seeds. Growers then need to assess plant stands in June and return to the field a third time in August to count solid ears. At this point, even growers with excellent agronomic practices, good growing conditions and a strong, well-positioned hybrid will see their ear population shrink to 32,500. #agronomy #corn #farming Website: https://www.realagriculture.com/ Find us on our other social media platforms: Twitter:   / realagriculture   Instagram:   / realagriculture   Facebook:   / realagmedia