Corn yield high, slowed by moisture

GRANT, Neb. -- Corn harvest proceeded slowly but yields are good, according to Strahinija Stepanovic, cropping systems extension educator in Perkins, Chase and Dundy counties.

Slowed by wet conditions, corn harvest started mid-September with picking high-moisture corn and some farmers are still trying to get it out of the field.

"We are seeing some field corn and especially popcorn hybrids dropping ears and logging, reducing yields up to 20 percent in some cases," he said. More corn grain in residue can cause founder / acidosis in cows if such fields are grazed during winter.

Research shows that if ear drop is more than 8 bu/ac, sodium bi-carbonate should be added to water at the rate of 2.5 pounds per 100 gal. Another problem is controlling volunteer corn in succeeding crop, he said.

If you had a significant ear drop this year, glyphosate herbicides will not effectively control volunteer corn next year. Consult with your local Extension Educator or crop consultant to select herbicides that will eliminate this problem.