2024-2025 PRIDE Seeds Product GuideYou can find all of our products on the website, including supporting performance data and create your own personalized guide called My Guide. You can also download the digital version of our printed product guide which includes product comparison charts. |
Many would consider 'early planting' of corn to land on or about April 20 to 27, depending on your area of Ontario. Most of us are aware that planting in this early time frame has both benefits and pitfalls to corn production. So, what management factors do growers need to consider to A) maximize yield potential, and B) minimize production risks associated with early planting?
Many full-season hybrids are positioned assuming a late April planting opportunity. What about trading up to longer maturities? Generally, growers should realize that they are gaining CHU accumulation on the end of the growing season, not the beginning. A typical late September/early October week - assuming the absence of a killing frost - would accumulate 75 - 125 CHU. The proper recommendation based on this knowledge is to trade up at least some of your long-day hybrids by 100 CHU. As always, ensure that the new hybrid possesses the necessary characteristics of early season spring vigour, and early flowering. There is no question that maximizing CHU selection will maximize yield potential.
Growers know their soil best. Clay-based soil often works best the first time it is dry - but if cold, wet weather follows, these soils can turn to anything but a growing medium very quickly! Many fields have been worked the first time, and warm rain will condition these soils dramatically, making for a great seedbed.
Warm spring rains and sun bring on the weed growth in many fields. To prevent insect infestations, and to assist in soil warming, start with a clean field - either by tillage or pesticides. In the new age of cheap generic glyphosate, there's no excuse not to start clean.
There are 3 main insects of concern given present weather conditions and the time of year.
These are three common early-season pests. While chemical control options are limited, corn producers do have other options to consider. Remember that often, the best way to beat a corn pest is to provide the seedling with ample opportunity to grow faster than the pest can fatally feed on it. In other words, outgrow the feeding pressure. Growers can do this by planting into warm soils, using aggressive starter blends in problem fields, and eliminating weed competition from the start.
The golden rule of crop production, this could mean switching only a few acres to longer-day hybrids. It could also mean planting only a percentage e.g. <50% of your intended corn acres during the first available planting window, particularly if cooler, wetter conditions are forecast. And perhaps most importantly, how many acres get 'forced in' to marginal seedbeds with the threat of rain in the forecast? The answer: too many! The first drink of water (first six to 12 hours) for any seed is critical. If cold rain is forecast, growers may be best to keep the planter in the shed for the day prior. There will be other, better days to plant. Remember that patience always pays when it comes to planting and establishing a good crop.
An earlier-than-normal start to corn planting in Ontario offers growers a tremendous opportunity for increased production success. To determine the merits and management considerations, please contact your PRIDE Seeds Dealer or your local PRIDE Seeds Regional Manager or Agronomist.
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