Harvest Timing of Corn and Phantom Yield Loss

Around this time each year, Dairyland Seed agronomists receive inquiries about whether to let corn dry in the field or to harvest it at a higher moisture level.

Studies from various sources have shown that optimum harvest moisture is 25 percent. Harvesting at a higher moisture has shown to have several advantages due to reduction in the following: physical loss, mechanical damage, environmental and finally dry matter respiration (aka phantom or mystery yield loss). University data would suggest a direct ratio of roughly 1% yield reduction for every one-point loss in moisture. Other industry research would indicate similar results. 

Dairyland Seed revisited this long-discussed topic at our agronomy research facility in 2021 through 2023. The multi-year data would say we were seeing a 10-bushel advantage for early harvest. The 2023 growing season was a bit of an anomaly and corn moisture stayed in the very high 20% to 30% range. The three-year information showed a similar trend, though not as severe, with harvest moisture at 21% down to 15% (a 6% difference) and 227 bushels down to 221, resulting in a half bushel loss per percent drop in moisture. Our three-year summary shows a statistical advantage for harvest beginning in late September (EARLY) to early October (MID). For those wanting to wait and field dry even more, our research may suggest the ideal time to be the early October time frame. At that timing, we peaked out on moisture loss and yield loss is limited. 

Given yet another interesting growing season and foliar disease such as southern corn leaf rust and northern corn leaf light showing a presence, it may be astute to get after corn at a higher moisture this year. The increased yield and reduced risk could prove beneficial.

Multi Year Results 2021 2022 and 2023 Central Indiana data