A seemingly simple decision such as which corn variety a grower chooses can have big economic implications. “A one bushel (per acre) increase (in yield) by Wisconsin corn farmers increases farm income $8 to $16 million dollars,” says UW-Madison agronomist Joe Lauer.

Every year, the University of Wisconsin Extension-Madison and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences conduct a corn evaluation program in cooperation with the Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association. The purpose of the program is to provide unbiased performance comparisons of the hybrid seed corn available in Wisconsin. This “consumer report” for Wisconsin corn growers includes evaluation of corn hybrids from 42 companies in 13 planting locations throughout the state.

Additionally, the evaluation adds information about cultural practices such as organic crop production, corn for silage and seasonal growing and harvesting conditions. The report is much sought after by growers and industry professionals involved in producing the four-million acre Wisconsin corn crop.

For complete information:
2011 WISCONSIN CORN HYBRID PERFORMANCE TRIALS
Grain – Silage – Specialty – Organic