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When you are starting off a new crop season, a multitude of considerations must be in place before the first seed is ever dropped into the ground. Having an excellent management system in place before planting will boost chances for a higher corn yield. These considerations include previous crop reporting, weather patterns, insect, pest, and disease potential, moisture levels and requirements, use of herbicide and pesticide, and much more. A farmer familiar with agronomy practices has a much higher chance of success than one who isn't. Agronomy experts can be hired to come out and evaluate your fields and make suggestions if you aren't completely certain how to proceed in the new crop season. Hybrid selection is one of the most important decisions a farmer will make each new crop year. Because seeds cannot be saved, farmers in licensing agreements with seed companies, have hundreds of options to choose from. The right hybrid selection can actually mean an increase of up to 40 to 50 bushels per year in corn yield production. No small matter. As more seed options become available, seed prices will continue to increase, making the importance of seed selection critical. When making your selection, of course the first consideration should be given to yield. Yield is what every farmer wants most to boost sales and increase profit. Choosing a high yield seed will help if the crops were to be devastated by a particularly high infestation of insect pests or disease in that growing season. A seed that has proven to produce a high corn yield could mean the difference between complete failure and surviving until the next planting season. Another consideration is choosing a hybrid that will do well in your soil type. Moisture content must be a part of the decision making process, as well as standability and considering a hybrid's resistance to greensnap. GM traits are also extremely important if used in the right places at the right times. A farmer must also calculate the timing of herbicide and pesticide control to a near exact science to ensure young corn plants have a chance to emerge and grow into strong, healthy, plants. With new corn traits being introduced which include gene traits for herbicide resistance and insect pest protection built in, the potential for high corn yield is there. Bottom line, research is the key to a productive growing season, both before, during, and after planting. It cannot be stressed enough that farmers must look to previous crops, know potential stressors, and be extensively familiarized with crop management practices to ensure a successful growing season.
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