Video – How to Identify Corn Vegetative Growth Stages
This video shows how to identify vegetative growth stages of corn or sorghum in the field. In this case we inspect two different examples of corn that have progressed into rapid growth stages.
Back to homepage
Verification Prog
How to Determine Corn Vegetative Growth Stages
Vegetative growth stages of corn are determined by counting the number of fully emerged leaves with leaf collars present. It is important to appreciate this methodology since it is a basis for timing many management practices, including herbicide application, sidedress fertilizer, and others.
Improving Corn Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer
Corn response to nitrogen fertilizer is a dynamic situation that becomes considerably more challenging when rain is plentiful. This article gives recommendations to improve corn response to nitrogen fertilizer and reduce risks in the Midsouth.
How late can we plant corn?
When rain or other issues limit planting opportunities, you may be wondering how to proceed with crop planting intentions. This publication helps address that question by explaining how corn responds to late planting when grown in different production systems based upon research conducted at Mississippi State University.
Three Proven Methods to Improve Corn Profitability
In these tough economic times we devote considerable effort to trimming the fat and focusing inputs where they will improve return on investment. The limiting factors will vary, but these are some of many potential factors which are very important.
2024 MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results
Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance, so you have good information to make decisions which improve the profitability of your farm. These Hybrid Demonstration trials are grown in numerous on-farm locations throughout the state where you can better evaluate hybrid performance of our region’s most elite hybrids. Complete results, including yields and plant characteristics from this year’s trials are published here.
2025 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids
This publication lists those corn hybrids which have demonstrated superior performance in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. No other source tests as many hybrids representing today’s choices in the market. Thus, this is a great starting point and barometer for you to judge performance and select the best corn hybrids for your farm.
2024 Yield Results from the MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program
Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate corn hybrid performance. These Corn Hybrid Demonstration trials are grown in numerous on-farm locations throughout the state where you can better analyze hybrid performance of our region’s most elite hybrids. Preliminary grain yield results from this year’s trials are published here.
Burning Stalks – What does it Really Cost?
Tight margins and high expenses tempt us to consider managing crop residue with fire, rather than tillage or other alternatives. However, fire will reduce recycling of organic matter and nutrients. Thus, burning produces several negative consequences that can definitely diminish profit.
Why did the Kernels near the Ear Tip not Fill?
Corn kernel set near the ear tip may vary considerably depending on a number of cultural and environmental factors. These kernels have issues when the plant can’t supply enough energy to support all of them. Therefore, if we want to improve our yields, we need to recognize why kernel set is less than desired, so we can improve management in the future.
When to terminate irrigation in corn
As the corn crop nears maturity, knowing when you can safely terminate irrigation, without sacrificing yield, or wasting money and labor through unnecessary irrigation is likely the most important decision that will affect your bottom line. This article outlines the steps needed to help make these decisions accurately and reliable.
Identifying Corn Reproductive Stages and Management Implications
Corn progresses through six stages as ears develop through reproductive growth stages. Identification of these stages can help time development, make prudent decisions and anticipate crop response to management practices and environmental conditions.
When should we initiate Irrigation to Enhance Corn Yield?
At the first hint of summer weather, there is often a rush to replenish moisture in corn fields with irrigation. However, inadequate soil moisture is not nearly as limiting as usually perceived. This article will discuss when to initiate irrigation based upon what is best for the corn crop.
How to Assess Uneven Stands and Corn Replanting Methods
Assessing corn stands to make replant decisions should likely involve more than simply taking stand counts. This article discusses how emergence disparity affects corn yield potential, and methods to replant your crop, when needed.
Keys to Success for Early Corn Planting
Corn is very dependent on stand quality and uniformity to optimize productivity. Although things look promising for early planting this spring, there is typically considerably more risk associated with adverse weather for early plantings, compared to later in the spring. This article discusses how to assess corn planting suitability, strategies to improve your stand, and factors that affect what seeding rate you should plant.
2023 Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results
Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance, so you have good information to make decisions which improve the profitability of your farm. These Hybrid Demonstration trials are grown in numerous on-farm locations throughout the state where you can better evaluate hybrid performance of our region’s most elite hybrids. Full results, including yields and plant characteristics from this year’s trials are published here.
2024 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids
This publication lists those corn hybrids which have demonstrated superior performance in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. No other source tests as many hybrids representing today’s choices in the market. Thus, this is a great starting point and barometer for you to judge performance and select the best corn hybrids for your farm.
2023 MSU Extension Soybean Variety Demonstration Program Summary
The annual MSU Extension Soybean Variety Demonstration Program is conducted using a set of varieties with proven performance. These varieties are grown in a production setting on various soils and management systems around the state. The sets for 2023 represented
2023 Yield Summaries from the MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program
Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate corn hybrid performance. These Corn Hybrid Demonstration trials are grown in numerous on-farm locations throughout the state where you can better analyze hybrid performance of our region’s most elite hybrids. Preliminary grain yield results from this year’s trials are published here.
Soybean Variety Tolerance to Iron Chlorosis Field Day
Mississippi State University will be hosting a field day on August 24 in Monroe County to tour soybean varieties that are currently being evaluated for tolerance to iron deficiency chlorosis. Light refreshments will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the
MSU Corn and Soybean Field Days
Please mark your calendar and share the word about the upcoming MSU Corn and Soybean Field Days scheduled in the coming weeks. These field days will feature MSU Corn Hybrid and Soybean Variety Demonstration Plots which contain premier genetics from seed companies serving the Midsouth region. Seed company representatives and MSU Extension Specialists will discuss varieties, expectations and address questions.
When to Terminate Irrigation in Corn
As the corn crop nears maturity, knowing when you can safely terminate irrigation, without sacrificing yield, or wasting money and labor through unnecessary irrigation is likely the most important decision that will affect your bottom line. This article outlines the steps needed to help make these decisions accurately and reliable.
Corn Planting Suggestions for a Potentially Early Season
Corn is very dependent on the stand achieved to optimize productivity. So far this spring temperatures have been much warmer than normal, which definitely benefit corn planting opportunities and outcome. However, next week may bring other challenges. This article discusses how to assess corn planting suitability, strategies to improve your stand, and factors that affect what seeding rate you should plant.
When should Cover Crops be Terminated for Corn?
Cover crops can improve soil health and water quality and are being grown on more acres. However, their growth may extend into the spring and present challenges for primary crops. We are investigating these dynamics so that we may implement strategies to realize advantages while minimizing risk. Corn production presents issues that we will address.
2023 Soybean Variety Suggestions
Variety selection is one of the most important soybean management decisions that can be made. With many excellent soybean varieties to choose from, this decision can sometimes be time consuming. Remember, factors such as soil texture, planting date, row spacing,
