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Ear flex key to reducing plant populations

An agronomist with LG Seeds says some farmers may be looking to reduce plant populations in 2025 to save on the bottom line.

Samantha Agnotti, who’s based in Wisconsin, says it’s a solid strategy when selecting the correct corn hybrid.

“There’s gonna be hybrids that are gonna flex better than others.”  She says, “Let’s look at what hybrids are gonna fit on your ground. And then what hybrids maybe don’t need to be pushed as much in population where you could pull that back and allow those hybrids to flex out and still get the same yields or better.”

She tells Brownfield hybrids with flexing ears handle lower populations better.

“Hybrids will determine their ear size, whether or not they have the potential to flex, in the length of the ear, the kernels around, or the kernel depth.”  She says, “Every hybrid is going to be different and it’s going to either have a fixed ear, a semi-fixed ear, or a flexing ear.”

Agnotti says budget conscious farmers can also consider how much of a trait package is needed in their fields.

“Because obviously the more protection you add below ground, the higher the cost is going to be on that seed.”  She says, “So, do we need to be putting a Smart Stack Pro out there or will a Duracade work?  Anything like that.  Are we going to place those in the right places?”

She says producers considering changes for 2025 should consult with their agronomist and seed representative.

AUDIO: Samantha Agnotti – LG Seeds