Between the Rows

Strategies for Corn Production in 2002

Greg Roth

With the prognosis for continued low prices and the threat of drought looming on the horizon, let’s discuss some ideas that we can use to maintain profitability of corn production in 2002.

One of the first options in this year of uncertainty is to explore the options of crop insurance that have been discussed at many of the meetings we have conducted this fall. Hopefully many of you have taken in one of these sessions this winter and are aware of the options available and the reduced cost of coverage this year.

On the production side, our objectives should be to keep costs and risks as low as possible. Inputs costs for N, seed, and chemicals appear to have moderated this winter so be sure to shop for the best deals on inputs if you haven’t done so already. Given some of the uncertainty that exists out there this is not the time for experimenting with unproven inputs or those that have a low rate of return.

The dry fall and the subsequent relatively dry winter should have translated into less soil compaction and N leaching. Given that, I would consider less tillage, more no tillage and certainly using the previous crop N credits in formulating your N program. The dry fall has also resulted in drier than normal subsoil at this point. While this could and hopefully will change before planting, I would continue to focus on at least some proven hybrids with good drought tolerance ratings-particularly for those situations with less than ideal soils.

The decision to grow corn should be reevaluated. Corn is a popular crop because there are good local markets and it’s often the most profitable alternative we have. But on some dairy farms, growing corn for grain is not profitable and many dairy farms have realized this. We also need to push the pencil on production on low yield acres. One consultant I spoke with this year has been trying to identify low yield acres that are perennial losers for his clients and switch them to other crops.

For corn growers on livestock farms, its time to revisit your phosphorus fertility program. If you haven’t already, make sure you are not adding additional P over and above crop needs that might make you more vulnerable to P based nutrient management that appears on the horizon. Based on some of our recent research, eliminating starter, using a low rate pop-up or substituting more N for P in the starter could all be lower cost, lower P alternatives.

These are a few of the ideas I would consider for 2002. No doubt it will be another unique season with unique challenges.