By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor

RIGA, Mich. — Fielders Choice, Renk and Brownseed Genetics made the top three yielding varieties of corn from a Lenawee County, Mich. test plot, despite unusual weather conditions during 2009.

The Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies (F.I.R.S.T.) test plantings on the farm of Bill Bierman in Riga, were seeded in mid-May at a rate of 33,000 per acre – and harvested at a lower rate of 32,200 on Nov. 13.

With a total rainfall of 23 inches during the growing season, the Riga test plots averaged 186.3 bushels per acre, with the top yield reaching 204.2 bushels per acre for Fielders Choice seed. Additionally, the Fielders Choice plot tested at 19.7 percent moisture for a total gross income of $711.10. Renk followed in second with a yield of 202 bushels per acre and 19.5 percent moisture for a gross income of $704.50. In third, Brownseed averaged 201.9 bushels per acre, with 19.3 percent moisture for a total of $705.10 gross income.

“Yields were better than expected for the weather conditions this year,” said Rich Schleuning, F.I.R.S.T. test manager for the North East Corn Belt. “The bulk of it came in the spring, with light traces in July and August. Stalk quality was weak as the plant put its effort in making the ear.”

The Riga test plot was conducted in Wauseon loam soil previously seeded to alfalfa. The ground was considered well-drained, non-irrigated and during the trial no-till practices were observed.
For more information on this trial, contact the F.I.R.S.T. North East Corn Belt office at 815-985-3577 or by e-mail at firstnecb@yahoo.com