We can’t grow corn here… oh wait, yes we can!! Whether your end goal is to graze, grain or silage corn, with some planning and some prepping, growing corn in Central Sask can be a viable rotation on your farm. Here’s how…
Hybrid Selection
First things first, corn hybrid selection. Your hybrid choice will depend on your desired end use:
- Grain corn: choose a hybrid with a Crop Heat Unit (CHU) that matches the area. You will need grain corn to reach physiological maturity (black layer) to be successful.
- Silage and Grazing corn: choose a hybrid that is 150-200 CHU later than the area.
- ie CHU range from 1900-2000 CHU then select hybrids with CHU around the 2150-2200 CHU range. You do not need to reach black layer, but you do need to reach 2/3 milk line for ideal chopping and feed value.
Fertility
Assuming you have no prior issues with a severe deficiency - focus on Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Sulphur and Zinc are great to add if it is possible, but not as critical. If corn is ever starved of essential macronutrients during the growing season it will delay maturity in the fall (opposite of cereals, we know).
Grain Corn Requirements (Silage in brackets):
Grain Corn Requirements (Silage in brackets):
- Nitrogen- 1lb of N per bushel (9-10lbs per wet Metric/tonne)
- Phosphorus- .44- .63 lb per bushel (3.5lbs per wet M/tonne)
- Potassium- .28- 1lb per bushel (12lbs per wet M/tonne)
- Sulphur- 0.07-.15lb per bushel (10lbs per wet M/tonne)
- Zinc- 1lb total
Weed Control
Corn is extremely touchy to establish especially up to the V4 (4 leaves with collars visible) stage. Keeping your corn weed free is critical. Including a pre-seed mix such as Heat Complete, Focus, Goldwing or BlackHawk to your Glyphosate will keep competitive weeds in check.
Now, assuming you are growing a Roundup Ready Corn Hybrid, you will be applying Roundup 2 x .67L/ac up to the 8-leaf stage. You also have some flexible tank mix options including Armezon which the staging window is wide and no re-cropping restrictions for next year.
There are some phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4-D and Bromoxynil that can be tank mixed as well BUT you must consult with your seed supplier as not all corn hybrids are tolerant to these products.
Now, assuming you are growing a Roundup Ready Corn Hybrid, you will be applying Roundup 2 x .67L/ac up to the 8-leaf stage. You also have some flexible tank mix options including Armezon which the staging window is wide and no re-cropping restrictions for next year.
There are some phenoxy herbicides such as 2,4-D and Bromoxynil that can be tank mixed as well BUT you must consult with your seed supplier as not all corn hybrids are tolerant to these products.
Seeding Equipment and Timing
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when including corn in your rotation is equipment. A planter is highly recommended as planting corn with an air drill won’t allow for singulation which is critical for establishing an even corn stand (corn is very sensitive to competition from a weed or itself). If an air drill is your only option, be sure to increase seeding rates to compensate for competition within the rows (and prepare yourself to BE patient as emergence will take FOREVER!!) Seeding rate should range between 28,000-32,000 seeds/ac (2.86- 2.67 ac bag).
Grain and silage corn need to be planted as early in May as possible keeping in mind that cold soils and rain can cause chilling injury. Grazing corn has more flexibility and can be planted later in May.
Grain and silage corn need to be planted as early in May as possible keeping in mind that cold soils and rain can cause chilling injury. Grazing corn has more flexibility and can be planted later in May.
Insect Control
Other agronomic issues that may arise when growing corn may include insect pressure such as cutworms. The growing point of a corn plant typically stays below the ground until V4 (4-5 leaf stage). Cutworms typically feed below the soil surface very aggressively which will potentially damage the corn plant permanently. An evening application of Chlorpyrifos is then necessary for control.
Harvest
Including corn in your rotation will stretch out harvest well into the fall. Grain corn is typically harvested around 25-30% moisture and then dried to 15.5% for storage (hence the massive driers in every farmer’s yard in the US corn belt). Silage is chopped at approx. 65% whole plant moisture and grazing corn typically relies on a killing frost to shut down the growing activity and lock in the feed value.
Whether it is grain, silage or grazing, maximum yield and nutritional value come from fully developed ears (cob) filled with seed!
Whether it is grain, silage or grazing, maximum yield and nutritional value come from fully developed ears (cob) filled with seed!
So, there you go, corn 101, easy peasy! This blog is intended to be only a guideline and some things to remember and prepare for. Please be sure to reach out to us at Horizon for any additional questions or information. The one on one conversations are the best. Whether you have grown corn before or not, we all learn something new from each other!
RSS Feed