Corn

Corn-to-Soybean Yield Ratios Across Midwestern States

Source: farmdoc daily (15):84, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Summary

While corn and soybean yields have increased over time, corn-to-soybean yield ratios generally have not trended up or down at the national or state levels in the 21st Century. However, there does exist variation in relative yields across states. States in the central Corn Belt region (Illinois, Iowa, Indiana) tend to have higher corn and soybean yields than states in the western Corn Belt and Great Plains (Kansas, North Dakota). In relative terms, as measured by the corn-soybean yield ratio, corn is relatively more productive (higher yield ratios) in the states with lower average corn and soybean yields.

 

Both corn and soybean yields have trended up over time at the national and state levels. Relative yields, as measured by the corn-to-soybean yield ratios, have not trended up or down at the national or state levels over the last 25 years. Differences in yield levels and relative yields exist across states. States with higher corn yields also tend to have higher soybean yields.  States with lower yields tend to have higher corn-to-soybean yield ratios.

U.S. Corn-to-Soybean Yield Ratios

Relative yields of corn and soybeans are often evaluated using a corn-to-soybean yield ratio. We used yields reported by the National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) for harvested acres. In 2024, the U.S. yield for corn was 179.3 bushels per acre, while the U.S. yield for soybeans was 50.7 bushels per acre. The 2024 corn-to-soybean yield ratio was 3.54, which equals the 179.3 corn yield divided by the 50.7 soybean yield. This ratio means that one acre yields 3.54 times more bushels of corn than of soybeans.

Since 2000, the U.S. corn-to-soybean ratio has averaged 3.49, with much variation around that average. The highest U.S. ratio of 4.19 occurred in 2003 when soybeans were particularly hard hit by aphids and other pest infestations. The lowest ratio of 3.08 occurred in the 2012 drought year. The extremely dry weather in 2012 had larger adverse impacts on corn, with rain occurring in August helping soybean yields. Statistical tests suggest that the corn-to-soybean ratio has not been trending up or down since 2000. Continue reading Corn-to-Soybean Yield Ratios Across Midwestern States →

Effect of standing water and saturated soils on corn growth

Source: Agronomy eUpdates

 

If corn has been planted, standing water or saturated soil conditions in areas of a field can produce impacts now or later for corn. Periods of early-season water saturation can cause immediate problems for small corn plants and can have season-long implications as well. Hopefully, the affected areas are small and confined to spots that are low-lying or poorly drained. While heavy rains and respective standing water have been limited to areas of northwest, northeast, and southeast Kansas, the coverage is expected to increase into mid-May. Precipitation is forecasted across most of the state with an emphasis on western Kansas, where upwards of 2-3 inches is possible. In addition to this above-normal moisture, temperatures will be cooler than normal with extensive periods of clouds. Thus, the extent of inundated corn may potentially increase as a result.

Factors affecting flood damage to corn include

  • corn growth stage,
  • the duration and frequency of saturated or standing water, and
  • air and soil temperature while water is standing.

Saturated soil after corn emergence

After corn emerges, saturated soils inhibit root growth, leaf area expansion, and photosynthesis because of the lack of oxygen and cooler soil temperatures. Yellow leaves indicate a slowing of photosynthesis and plant growth. Leaves and sheaths may turn purple from the accumulation of sugars if photosynthesis continues but growth is slowed. Corn plants can recover with minimal impact on yield if the plants stay alive and conditions return to normal fairly quickly.

Although root growth can compensate to some extent later in the season, a saturated profile early in the season can confine the root system to the top several inches of soil, setting up problems later in the season if the root system remains shallow. Corn plants in this situation tend to be prone to late-season root rot if wetness continues throughout the summer, and stalk rots if the plants undergo mid- to late-season drought stress. Plants with shallow root systems also become more susceptible to standability problems during periods of high winds.

Tolerance of young corn plants to full submersion

Young corn plants can tolerate only a few days of full submersion. In some cases, symptoms and stand problems seen late in the season may trace back to flooding when the plants were young. Before V6, when the growing point is at or below the soil surface, corn can survive only 2-4 days of flooding. The chances of plant survival increase dramatically if the growing point was not completely submerged or if it was submerged for less than 48 hours. After 48 hours of soil saturation, soil oxygen is depleted, and critical plant functions (photosynthesis, water uptake, and nutrient uptake) are impaired.

Thus, young corn plants are more susceptible than corn beyond the V6 stage, when the plants are taller and the growing point is above the surface. Research has demonstrated yield reductions from early-season flooding ranging from 5% to 32%, depending on soil nitrogen status and duration of flooding.

Complicating factors

Temperatures can influence the extent of damage from flooding or saturated soils. Cool, cloudy weather limits damage from flooding because growth is slowed and because cool water contains more oxygen than warm water. Warm temperatures can increase the chances of long-term damage.

Silt deposition in the whorls of vegetative corn plants can inhibit the recovery of flooded corn plants. Enough soil can be deposited in the whorl that the emergence of later leaves is inhibited. A heavy layer of silt on leaf surfaces can potentially inhibit photosynthesis or damage the waxy surface layer of the leaf (cuticle), making the leaves subject to drying out. New leaves should not be affected if they can emerge normally. Ironically, what is often best for the silt-covered plants is to receive a small shower to help wash off the leaves.

In some instances, the soil in the whorl may contain certain soft-rotting bacteria. These bacteria can cause the top of the plant to rot. The whorl can easily be pulled out of a plant infected with these soft-rotting bacteria. In addition, a rather putrid odor will be present. These plants will not recover.

Disease considerations

Flooding can increase the incidence of moisture-loving diseases like crazy top downy mildew. Saturation for 24 to 48 hours allows the crazy top fungus spores found in the soil to germinate and infect flooded plants. The fungus grows systemically in the plant, often not causing visual symptoms for some time. Symptom expression depends on the timing of infection and the amount of fungal growth in the plant. Symptoms include excessive tillering, rolling and twisting of upper leaves, and proliferation of the tassel. Eventually, both the tassel and ear can resemble a disorganized mass of small leaves, hence the name “crazy top.”

Other concerns: Denitrification, cold weather crown stress, green snap, and root lodging

Saturated soils can also cause loss of N fertilizer by either denitrification (loss of N to the atmosphere, mainly as nitrous oxide gas) or leaching (movement of N beyond the rooting zone). For any of these losses to occur, N should be present in the mobile nitrate (NO3–) form. Depending on the fertilizer application time and source, most of the N may still be in the stable ammonium (NH4+) form. However, the conversion to nitrate happens quickly as soil temperature continues to increase. Under wet spring planting conditions, corn may respond to in-season N applications if a large portion of early-applied N is lost to these processes. If corn remains N deficient later in the season, expect considerably higher levels of stalk rot.

Another condition associated with extended periods of cool, wet soils is commonly referred to as cold weather crown stress. Internal stalk cells in the crown nodes can become “leaky” when cell membranes become chilled and oxygen is limited because of the saturated soils. Hybrids with “southern” genetics are more susceptible to this problem than are northern types. Plants may recover from this damage, but they will be much more susceptible to stalk rot later in the season if hot, dry temperatures occur, since water and nutrients cannot be efficiently moved through the damaged crown.

Sidewall compaction from planting into wet soils

Source: Agronomy eUpdates

Figure 1. Sidewall and seed zone compaction in heavy clay soil.

Conducting field work — including planting, tillage, or traffic in general — after wet weather can cause soil compaction, particularly sidewall compaction in the seed furrow. The worst cases of sidewall compaction are seen after a field has been planted when the soil was too wet, followed by a period of dry weather. If the soil stays moist, the roots can usually grow through the walls of the seed furrow. However, if the soil gets dry, the roots can have a harder time growing through that seed furrow wall, and instead grow along the furrow, resulting in what is referred to as sidewall compaction.

With corn, the plants might look fine for a while, but the symptoms of this problem will probably show up after the plants reach several inches tall. Symptoms can mimic drought stress, nutrient deficiency, or both.

Since there are not any good ways to fix sidewall compaction once it exists, the best practice would be to avoid creating the problem in the first place. This means waiting until soils are dry enough to plant. The way to test for this is to dig down to the desired planting depth and make a ball with the soil. Next, see if the ball will crumble or crack apart, or if it deforms like molding putty. If it crumbles, it is ready to plant. If it deforms, it would be best to wait before resuming field operations. Even waiting as little as half a day could make a big difference.

Other considerations

  • Planting too shallow: Planting shallow in wet soil may lead to wheel compaction below the seedling depth. This results in limited downward root growth and seeds growing horizontally.
  • Too much down pressure: If you must work in wet soil, then the down pressure of the row unit and press wheels needs to be reduced to limit compaction around the seed.
  • Soil structure: Tilled soils often lack proper soil structure, causing the standard closing wheel to pinch the sidewalls over the seed from additional pressure. This is frequently a concern in heavier-textured soils, i.e., higher clay content.

Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference March 11-12

Don’t miss this year’s Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference March 11-12, 2025, (Tuesday-Wednesday) at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. Connect with other great farmers and CCAs, experience new ideas, and increase your net income.

The theme is “Getting More from Less.” Cutting costs is key following a year where corn and soybean yields were reduced for many farmers. And crop prices are barely breakeven. We don’t know what the weather will be in 2025, but commodity prices are projected to stay low.

Fred Yoder, no-till farmer at Plain City and former president of the National Corn Growers Association, will be the opening keynote speaker and will appear two more times on the program. He’ll discuss economic benefits of continuous no-till. Also, he will share insights into the new USDA leadership and the Farm Bill.

Jeff Duling, Putnam County, will discuss how he works with Mother Nature to increase yields with no-till and cover crops. Part of his farmland is Paulding clay, considered the worst soil in Northwest Ohio. He has increased corn yields on it by 50 to 75 bushels per acre. He is sponsored by Pioneer.

Connor Sible, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, will share his research on various methods of “Managing Residue (from high-yielding corn): Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological.” He is sponsored by Calmer Corn Heads.

Etienne Herrick-Sutton, University of Missouri, will speak on the Regenerative Agriculture Outlook. Rodrigo Werle, University of Wisconsin, will present information on Managing Waterhemp in Soybeans. The full conference program is available at ctc.osu.edu

With about 60 speakers total, the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference gives plenty of opportunities to gain valuable information. The program features four faculty from Midwest universities and more than 20 OSU Extension Educators and campus faculty.

The opening General Session will start at 8:30 a.m. March 11. Master Farmer Awards and the Ohio CCA of the Year will be announced. Four concurrent sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Tuesday sessions include: Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Nutrient Management; Agronomic Crops Management; and Precision Ag & Technology.

The four sessions on Wednesday will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end about 4:30 p.m. Sessions include: Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Agronomic Crops Management; Water Quality; and Regenerative Agriculture. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss one-on-one with speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. Bring a friend and/or family members.

Registration will be a flat rate $100. Register online at https://www.allenswcd.com/cttc/ or call Albert Suniga at 419-222-0846 x1005. (Registration after February 25, or on-site, will be $150.) If you are planning to stay overnight, take advantage of available but limited rooms at discounted rates at “The Inn “at the Ohio Northern University. To take advantage of this promotion, call 844-535-2805. (When reserving, mention CTTC)

Can we grow 300 bu. corn in Knox County?

Does plant population matter?

Maximizing corn yield requires a combination of sound management, good agricultural practices, and help from Mother Nature (environmental factors). Soil health and fertility; Hybrid selection; Proper planting; Weather; and Weed, Insect and Disease control all play a critical role.  Some of these are controllable others are not.

A recent article I read compared the characteristics and management practices of the top performers in the NCGA yield contest.   According to the article, these farmers not only have produced yields much higher than the current U.S. average, but they have also achieved a higher rate of yield gain over time.

Over the past 20 years, U.S. corn yields have increased at a rate of 1.9 bushels/acre/year while winning yields in the non-irrigated yield contest classes have increased by 4.6 bushels/acre/per year.  During the same period Knox County corn yields have increased by about 1.8 bushels/acre/year.

Why are we lagging behind?  Yes, I know that only the best ground is entered into these contests, and this ground may sometimes receive different levels of inputs.  But … with our resources in Knox County, shouldn’t we be able to do better, at least surpass the U.S. rate of 1.9 bushels/per acre/year?

Fields entered into this contest are planted with the same corn hybrids available to everyone and at least regionally,  subject to the same growing conditions.  This  suggests that management practices could be playing a key role in  yield potential.

The management practice I want to focus on today is plant population.

Does plant population matter??

A key factor in achieving maximum corn yield is establishing an adequate population density to allow a hybrid to maximize its yield potential. Due to improved genetics, many of today’s hybrids can be planted at higher populations.

Harvest populations in national corn yield contest entries over 300 bushels/acre from 2020 through 2024 are shown in the chart below.

The average contest harvest population over this period was 35,400 plants/acre.  The U.S. average during the same time period was 29,200 plants/acre and the Ohio average during this period was 30,080 plants/per acre.

Yes, seed costs are increasing.  While I’m not trying to sell seed, does this data suggest that we  should we be adjusting our corn population rates … or at least considering it?

The bottom line is – You know your fields’ yield potential!  As a manager are you giving each field the inputs and management it needs to achieve its maximum potential?

Developing your 2025 corn budget

An enterprise budget is a listing of all income and expenses associated with a specific enterprise. What you produce determines the profitability of your business. Enterprises are the basic building blocks for a farm plan. By analyzing revenues and expenses associated with individual enterprises you can determine which enterprises might be expanded and those that should be cut back or eliminated.

This post will focus on developing your 2025 Corn Budget.  The following are key components for this budget.

1. Revenue Assumptions

  • Corn yield (bushels per acre): Estimated based on your field’s productivity or average local yields.
  • Price per bushel: You can base this on current market trends or contract pricing.
  • Revenue calculation: Yield per acre x Price per bushel.

2. Variable Costs

These are costs that vary depending on the acreage and input levels.

  • Seed costs: The cost of corn seed per acre, including any seed treatment.
  • Fertilizer: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) and other micronutrient fertilizers required for soil health.
  • Herbicides and pesticides: Costs for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases.
  • Fuel: Fuel for planting, cultivating, irrigating, spraying, and harvesting.
  • Labor: Wages for employees working in the field, including seasonal workers.
  • Crop insurance: Premiums for insurance covering potential yield losses or damage from weather events.
  • Other inputs: Other specific inputs required to produce your crop.

3. Fixed Costs

These are costs that do not fluctuate with the level of production.

  • Equipment depreciation: The annual depreciation of tractors, planters, sprayers, harvesters, etc.
  • Land rent/lease: If you do not own the land, this would be a fixed cost.
  • Interest on land and equipment loans: If applicable, include the interest you pay on any loans.
  • Building and storage maintenance: Costs for maintaining barns, grain bins, or other structures.
  • Property taxes: Taxes associated with your land and equipment.

4. Overhead Costs

These include administrative and management costs that can be allocated to each acre.

  • Management and administration: Salaries or wages for management or administrative roles not included in variable costs.
  • Insurance (property, liability): Farm insurance policies.
  • Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, propane, and other utilities for farm operation.

5. Other Costs

  • Transporting: Cost of hauling harvested corn to your bins or elevators.
  • Storage costs: If you’re storing the corn for later sale, include costs for drying and storage.

6. Profit Margin

After calculating your revenue and all associated costs, determine the profit margin per acre. This is the difference between your total revenue and total costs.

The following link will take you to the 2025 OSU Corn Enterprise Budget developed by OSU Extension’s Barry Ward.  This can serve as a guide to help you consider all costs in your operation.

2025 Corn College & Soybean School

Join us on February 27th for the 5th annual virtual Corn College and Soybean School presented by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomic Crops Team. The program will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and feature OSU Extension field and state specialists with updates and topics relevant for the 2025 growing season. CCA CEU credits will be available upon viewing the live presentations. Talks will also be recorded for later viewing on the Ohio State Agronomy YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@OSUAgronomicCrops.

Please register by February 26th at noon. To register, visit https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bKLRxGoOPaOkBka or scan the QR code below. There is a $10 registration fee for this event, which goes directly to support the activities and efforts of the OSU Agronomic Crops Team.

2025 Speaker and Topic Lineup

  • Battle for the Belt – Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey & Taylor Dill
  • Corn Disease Management – Stephanie Karhoff
  • Weather Outlook – Aaron Wilson
  • Nutrient Management in Low Grain Prices – Glen Arnold
  • Water Management Considerations – Vinayak Shedekar
  • Agronomic Weed Management – Alyssa Essman
  • Soybean Disease Management – Horacio Lopez-Nicora

 

Battle for the Belt – Chilling Injury

Dr. Alex Lindsey, Associate Professor of Crop Ecophysiology & Agronomy, walks us through his current research project on how cold temperatures and water can affect early planted soybeans within the first 24 hours of planting.

How does cold temperature and water affect germination and emergence?

We have been studying how cold temperatures and water affect soybeans under ultra-early planting conditions using some lab experiments. We planted soybeans into field soil (starting at 20% or 60% available water content) at 1” (shallow) or 1.5” (normal) planting depths, and exposed them to different combinations of cold temperatures and water treatments during the first 24 hours after planting (Table 1). After the first 24 hours, we raised the temperature in the chamber to 70°F and measured emergence.

Table 1. Temperature and water treatments evaluated during the first 24 hrs after planting.

Preliminary results suggest that no water application (even if temperature dropped to 35°F) resulted in the greatest emergence (75%) after 11 days. Water application immediately after planting, regardless of whether it was 50°F or 35°F, cut the emergence totals in half. Application of ice after planting was less damaging to emergence but still reduced germination compared to where water wasn’t applied. This suggests that avoiding precipitation within the first 24 hours of planting is key to ensuring good emergence.

Does planting depth matter? Continue reading Battle for the Belt – Chilling Injury →

Ohio Crop Weather

Source: USDA

Sustained Wet Conditions

Heavy rains last week saturated fields and prevented any large-scale planting activities, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 31 percent adequate and 69 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on April 14 was 56.8 degrees, 9.4 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.86 inches of precipitation, 0.98 inches above average. There were 0.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 14.
Farmers reported that with the excess rain, the only field work that could be done was applying herbicide and fertilizing wheat. Oats were 11 percent planted. Winter wheat was 51 percent jointed and winter wheat condition was 70 percent good to excellent. Warmer than normal conditions continued to push fruit crop development.