Harvest is underway across the country. Here, the managers of F.I.R.S.T. (Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies) will provide a weekly snapshot of how corn and soybeans are yielding.

These managers conduct on-farm research trials from farms just like yours. Take a look at their area’s summaries and then click on the reports in blue to see exact harvest information from on-farm tests.

F.I.R.S.T. CORN PROGRESS REPORT

Illinois East Central and Illinois West Central

Both planted on April 20, the two Virden, IL plots posted excellent yields with an average of 198.4 bu./acre for the early season test and 202.6 bu./acre for the full-season test. Rain totals were as follows: 2 in. for April, 3.6 in. for May, 1.4 in. for June, 2.5 in. for July and 1.7 in. for August. Record heat was also recorded for July and August. Overall, the fields had good pollination and kernel depth. Although stalk lodging did not exist, some early hybrids revealed stalk rot developing on the lower stalks.

Virden – Early
Virden – Early

The Findlay, IL early and full-season tests posted below average yields of 101.3 bu./acre and 125.9 bu./acre, respectively. Kernel sets and grain quality were fair to poor, due to ear feeding from Japanese bean beetles and corn rootworm beetles. Corn borer infestation was also significant. There was also poor soil moisture during the growing season. The area received only .5 in. of rain in June and no precipitation during the first half of July.

Findlay – Early
Findlay – Late

At Macomb, IL the yield test average was 204.5 bu./acre on the early season site and 207.6 bu./acre on the full-season site. High heat was a concern in July, but timely rains came when needed resulting in excellent grain quality. Corn borer infestation was tremendous as most of the non-Bt hybrids had the tops cut out completely. Stalk rot was also noted, but high winds did not occur, so lodging was minimal.

Macomb – Early
Macomb – Late

Rain totals were good up to and during pollination for the test at Clayton, IL but mid-July through August were hot and dry. The site had a high level of corn borer infestation and some stalk rot. Average yield was 169.4 bu./acre on the early season test and 172.6 bu./acre on the full-season test.

Clayton – Early
Clayton – Full

Harvest at the Watseka, IL early and full-season sites averaged 197.2 bu./acre and 188.4 bu./acre, respectively. There was good rain at pollination to help push silking, and excellent kernel development and depth was noted. Some stalk rot was evident, and Japanese and rootworm beetles caused some kernel quality damage.

Watseka – Early
Watseka – Full

Rain was ample in late April when the Athens, IL site was planted, but less than 2 in. was received in May and June. The corn had good pollination, but poor kernel depth. Some stalk rot was also evident by harvesttime on September 15. The early season test had an average yield of 186.0 bu./acre, while the full-season test posted an average of 192.3 bu./acre.

Athens – Early
Athens – Full

The Tremont, IL test had no rain until July 10, and then some timely rains fell. Rootworm pressure was high, but the feeding happened after pollination. Average yield was 189.5 bu./acre on the early season test and 182.3 bu./acre on the full-season test.

Tremont – Early
Tremont – Full

Illinois North

Planted April 20 and harvested September 25, the Grand Ridge site showed signs of heavy infestations of Gray Leaf Spot, and many of the earlier hybrids were starting to deteriorate from stalk rot. Good rainfall late in the season made for some large kernels and more than likely helped add test weight. This site averaged 223.4 bu./acre on the early season test and 231.7 bu./acre on the full-season test.

Grand Ridge – Early
Grand Ridge – Full