Resolving to Obtain Higher Corn Yields in 2014

Posted By Team Latham

Weather ranks as the most important factor affecting corn yield, says Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Illinois.  Research he’s conducted show that weather accounts for 70 bushels per acre, or 27 percent, of total yield!

Although we’re all hoping for better growing conditions in 2014, it’s unrealistic to think we can control the weather.  That’s why it’s important to focus on the things we can do better in our quest to raise 300-bushel corn consistently.

Planting a portfolio of Latham® corn hybrids is one way to manage risk and improve your chances of achieving record-setting yields.  Last season we saw how different genetics handle stress from drought and wind.  That’s why genetic diversity is so important.

You can also protect the 2014 corn crop with new technologies.  Latham’s 2014 product lineup includes 36 hybrid seed corn products, offering six different trait combinations in various maturities, for rootworm (RW) control.  In addition to corn rootworm, be sure to factor in management options to control nematodes that feed on corn.

Nematodes are a growing problem across the Midwest, most likely due to trends of no-till farming.  Nematodes are sensitive to soil disturbance, so they tend to thrive in no-till situations.  Crop rotation isn’t an effective form of management, however, seed treatments can prevent nematodes from attaching to corn roots.  Applied directly to the seed, these treatments help prevent damage to early-season seedlings and roots before pests can strike.

When finalizing your 2014 seed purchases, consider these Latham® Hi-Tech Hybrids with Genuity® SmartStax® technology and the Poncho/VOTiVO plus Acceleron seed treatment:

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