Farmers looking for data that can help them choose what strains of corn to grow this year can benefit from the results of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program’s 2013 corn grain performance trials.

The NNYADP-funded trials of 30 early and medium-to-early-maturity hybrids planted at Madrid and Chazy test popular hybrids as well as new or experimental hybrid seed for yield, plant vigor, standability, and moisture content.

Unfortunately the 2013 Chazy trial plot suffered from excessive rain in June, and the results were rejected and not included in the analysis.

The report is available online in the Crops section at www.nnyagdev.org.

The trials are designed to aid corn growers, extension educators and seed companies by evaluating hybrids for yield capacity, stalk and root strength and maturity under northern New York growing conditions, says Cornell University Plant Bleeding and Genetics Researcher Margaret Smith.

Smith notes that “farmers who need ‘businessman odds’ more than statistical precision may consider a 10 bushels per acre grain yield difference sufficient to guide a decision in choice of hybrid.”

Smith urges growers to consider more than one year of performance under Northern New York growing conditions before selecting seed for planting.

The corn grain crop in northern New York is valued at more than $50 million a year.

For more information, contact NNY Regional Field Crops and Soils Specialist Dr. Kitty O’Neil with Cornell Cooperative Extension St. Lawrence County at 379-9192.

Other Northern New York Agricultural Development Program research related to corn production includes development of nutrient management tools for precision cropping, the use of cover crops to extend the value of corn fields, and a comprehensive corn disease survey to assist growers with seed selection and early disease and pest intervention practices.

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program provides research, technical assistance and outreach to farmers in St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, and Lewis counties. The program receives funding through the New York State Senate.