Tag Archives: Dr. Fred Below

Industry NewsGoal: To Consistently Raise 300-Bushel Corn

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Peter Bixel

Farmers throughout history have raised corn yielding 300 bushels per acre (bu/A). In 1985, Illinois farmer Herman Warsaw produced corn yields of 370 bu/A. Warsaw spent years working toward his goal. He patiently built up soil nutrition and tilth for better plant health.

So what do we need to do to raise 300-bushel corn? Like Warsaw, we must commit to plan. Our plan must involve soil fertility, which takes into account nitrogen and micronutrients. Weather dictates when nitrogen (N) can be applied, its availability to the plant and its usability by the crop.

Nitrogen loss can occur immediately after application, and leaching can occur after N has been incorporated into the soil. That’s why renowned corn yield researcher Dr. Fred Below uses a stabilizer when applying his nitrogen. His fertility program also includes aggressive rates of Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to push for higher yields. Potassium is very important but is often lacking, especially in a drought year like 2012.

“As growers, we need to look at agronomy first. It’s important to build a good database for each field, understand interactions of nutrients and use the tools to apply the agronomy,” said Ron Olson, who was one of the first consultants nationwide to use GPS/GIS tools to assist farmers in managing Precision Ag databases. From 1974 to 1996, Ron owned an independent agronomic consulting company based in Illinois.

Today Ron serves as Research and Development Manager – New Products for the Mosaic Company. During a recent presentation in Des Moines to Seed-2-Soil and SciMax client, Ron admitted that a lot of work must be done to consistently achieve 300-bushel corn yields. However, he says taking incremental steps will lead to higher yields overall.

Nutrient management is key to increasing yield, according to research done in cooperation with Dr. Below and the University of Illinois. This research uses “omission plots” that compare corn both with and without fertilizer, fungicide, insecticide and seed treatments. While yields increase with each of these additions, fertility has the most impact.

In addition nutrient management, other factors influence yield. Click here to see Dr. Below’s 7 Wonders of the Corn World, which are the seven factors that have the most influence on yield.

Crop Report 08/22/12: Weather is #1 Factor for High Yields

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Despite planting the largest number of acres to corn in the past 75 years, U.S. corn growers are expected to produce 13 percent less corn than last year. This year’s soybean production is projected to be down 12 percent from 2011. Why?

Weather can be a blessing or a curse, says Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Illinois. In research he’s conducted, weather ranks as the most important factor affecting corn yield. Weather accounts for 70 bushels per acre, or 27 percent, of total yield!

This Saturday farmers across Latham Country will have an opportunity – actually two chances – to gain insight from Dr. Below’s research. He’ll be speaking at the Latham Country Fair in Alexander, Iowa, at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Fair-goers also will have an opportunity to walk through our Living Museum of Corn and view our demonstration plots.

Select a territory in the drop-down menu below to view your region’s most recent crop updates.

Each week, our Regional Sales Managers provide crop reports from their territory, sharing crop progress, diseases or pests to watch for and corresponding management tips, and practices that will help you maximize yield potential in your particular growing conditions.

EventsFREE, Family Fun at the Fair

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Although the Iowa State Fair gets underway today, we’re making plans for our very own country celebration. Join us Saturday, Aug. 25, for a full day of entertainment for the entire family!

The Latham Country Fair gets underway at 9 a.m. with field tours and a craft show. Professional agricultural speakers take the stage, beginning with Dr. Fred Below at 9:30 a.m. Click here for the full speaker lineup.

It’s all fun and games for kids, beginning at 10 a.m. Kids of all ages can participate in a variety of activities including: pedal tractor pull, burlap bag races, train rides on the GBO Railroad, inflatibles, petting zoo plus intricate face painting.

A schedule of kids’ activities:

In addition to all of this, there will be presentations by Farm Safety 4 Just Kids and Ag in the Classroom. P.S. We’ve also planned special presentations for moms and grandmothers. Watch for more details to be posted next week about those!