Kernel depth and fill contribute significantly to yield in newer hybrids. It’s one reason a ‘Hail Mary’ fungicide pass might still offer ROI and keep corn standing until combines roll.

The amount of damage that can occur in crops depends largely upon these factors — how cold it gets and for how many hours, and the plants’ stage of development.

Heismeyer joins the cooperative after leadership roles at Bunge and ADM.

A prematurely collapsing ear shank stops grain fill, leading to yield reductions that can reach as high as 40%.

Labor costs continue to rise for California farmers, but skilled labor isn’t something growers are able to find with the current H-2A program. Labor experts, economists and farmers agree the current immigration system is “broken,” but a solution could be on the horizon.

Crops in parts of the Corn Belt may have run out of gas with the onset of flash drought. As a result, the crop may be going backward from USDA’s August estimates.