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Between the Rows calls for 179-bushel corn

The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan’s annual yield tour is finding higher yields than previously estimated.

Research manager Kristin Poley tells Brownfield steady, consistent rains following the drought in June likely helped the crop catch up in development.

“This year we are projecting our statewide corn yields to be 179 bushels per acre, compared to USDA’s August estimate of 170 bushels per acre—we’re really seeing good-looking corn,” she shares.

She says tar spot pressure was limited when checks were made at the beginning of August.

“We had good conditions for tar spot both last year in August and this year in August and it is out there in the environment, but it’s just not the threat that we expected it to be,” she says.

Severe weather bringing hail, high winds, and heavy rains came after the results were calculated and Poley says there likely will be localized reductions in yields because of the damage.

The corn checkoff made a record 400 yield checks in 36 counties in the Lower Peninsula with the help of local FFA chapters and Nutrien Ag Solutions interns.