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    Delayed Corn Planting Considerations: Central Corn Belt

    Switching to Earlier Maturity Hybrids

    • When rainfall significantly delays field and planting operations, switching to early maturity hybrids may be considered to ensure timely crop maturation.
    • To help guide these decisions, Pioneer researchers conducted planting date studies over 18 years (1987-2004).
    • Central Corn Belt studies included 30 environments in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana and a total of 53 different Pioneer® brand corn products ranging from 99 to 115 CRM.
    • Adjusted gross income was calculated for corn products in different maturity ranges over a range of planting dates based on income from corn yield at $3.50/bu minus drying costs and discounts for low test weights.
    Results indicate that farmers should plant full season hybrids until at least May 24. Switching to an early maturity hybrid prior to this point most likely will not be beneficial and may result in reduced profitability.
    • Farmers should consult their local Pioneer representative for recommendations about hybrid switches under delayed planting conditions.
    Profitability full early hybrids central
    Profitability full early hybrids central

    Figure 1. Profitability of full-season (111-115 CRM) vs. early maturity (99-102 CRM) hybrids by planting date in the Central Corn Belt.

    • Full season hybrids provided the greatest profitability when planted up until May 24. Farmers may consider switching to an earlier maturity hybrid after May 24.
    Chart showing profitability of mid-maturity vs. early maturity hybrids by planting date in the Central Corn Belt.
    profitability-mid-early-hybrids-central

    Figure 2. Profitability of mid-maturity (103-110 CRM) vs. early maturity (99-102 CRM) hybrids by planting date in the Central Corn Belt.

    • Adjusted gross income of mid-maturity hybrids was greater than that of early maturity hybrids with planting dates through June 6.
    • Mid-maturity and early maturity hybrids had similar profitability when planted after June 6.

    Corn Adjusts to Later Planting

    • A three-year study conducted by researchers at Purdue and Ohio State Universities documented that hybrids can adjust their growth and development, requiring fewer growing degree units (GDUs) to reach physiological maturity when planted late.
    • Averaged over all hybrids, locations and years, 244 fewer GDUs were required to reach maturity when planting was delayed from late-April or early-May to early- or mid-June (approximately 40 days).
    • Adjusted gross income/acre was calculated as gross income at a corn price of $3.50/bu minus drying costs and discounts for low test weights. Higher corn price would move switching date later.
    • Drying costs were calculated based on 4 cents/bu for each point of moisture above 15%. Higher drying costs would move switching date earlier.