Roger Elmore & Lori Abendroth
According to the most recent USDA-NASS forecast, Iowa will boast a statewide average of 179 bushels per acre. The forecast takes in to account several components that contribute to yield however the next forecast, released mid-Sept, will use ear dimension and ear weight data also. The development of the crop is significantly ahead past years, with the majority of corn acreage currently in dent stage (R5). The crop has progressed quickly due to the warm temperatures although this may result in lower kernel weights than expected. Read on »
Statewide, Iowa has experienced warmer temperatures all season. During the period of April 1st to August 28th there has been 200-400 more growing degree days (GDD) than normal. Up to a third of the increase in GDD’s are attributed to this past month alone. The warm fall conditions has resulted in a speeding up of the grain fill period. Grain yields will be lower in this type of environment compared to a fall that had normal or slightly below normal temperatures.
See the full report by USDA/USDC for the corn crop status per state, nation, and world. Figure shown here comes from page 7.
The ISU Extension Corn Production team has wrapped up teaching at the FEEL and other field days for the summer. You can still catch some late-season clinics on soybean management, alfalfa and forage production, and soil management. To learn the latest in corn research, mark your calendars for the 2010 Integrated Crop Management Conference taking place December 1-2 in Ames.
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