Measuring and Reducing Corn Field Losses

Something went wrong. Please try again later...

By Dairyland Seed Agronomy Team

Corn yield is effectively set at the R6 stage of kernel development, also referred to as physiological maturity. After that milestone is reached, crop yield cannot be gained, only lost. Weather plays a key role in how much of the yield is eventually captured at harvest. Dry weather is conducive to fast drydown and timely harvest of the crop. Wet weather, on the other hand, can lead to increased stalk and ear rots, potential harvest delays, and increased field losses.

Optimizing combine settings throughout harvest is another important key to achieving highest harvestable yields. This step is critical in order to reduce ear and kernel losses that can occur when combining. Unlike weather conditions, combine settings are completely under the growers’ control.

For additional details and to learn more on how to optimize harvested yields, click HERE for the Measuring and Reducing Corn Field Losses Crop Bulletin.