Ask The Agronomist Blog

Jim Rowley Corn Population and Row Width Study

February 03, 2011
Posted by: Jim Rowley, Regional Sales Agronomist

Corn Population and Row Width Study

A 2010 population and row width study conducted by Stine Researchers revealed that twenty inch row spacing may have a distinct advantage over 30 inch row spacing, particularly at higher populations.

The data suggests that 30 inch rows may optimize yield at 39,400 ppa for most hybrids entered into the study.  Conversely, the optimum 20 inch row spacing was 49,500 ppa with an average yield of 14 bpa advantage over the 30 inch row configuration at maximum ppa.

Further analysis is being conducted on the data. The study, utilizing primarily Stine hybrids, identifies which hybrids can be "pushed" into the higher populations with corresponding higher yields and which hybrids perform best at average populations. 

Various locations across the corn belt were included with sights ranging from Central Illinois and Indiana up to Northern Iowa and Minnesota.  

Jim Rowley Stine Seed Corn's Superior Genetics

January 28, 2011
Posted by: Jim Rowley, Regional Sales Agronomist

Regional Sales Agronomist Jim Rowley says Stine Seed Company's hybrids offer unique genetic packages that allows the corn to fight diseases and stand up to environmental pressures better than the competition.

Stine Seed Minute - Superior Genetics

Jim Rowley Stine Seed Minute - Early Harvest

September 30, 2010
Posted by: Jim Rowley, Regional Sales Agronomist

Regional Sales Agronomist Jim Rowley explains how the late harvest in 2009 affects this year's harvest in this "Stine Seed Minute" audio clip.

Stine Seed Minute - Early Harvest

Jim Rowley Clear For Takeoff

July 13, 2010
Posted by: Jim Rowley, Regional Sales Agronomist

Clear For Takeoff

An increase in relative humidity this summer, along with the more-than-adequate rainfall, has resulted in an environment conducive to Grey Leaf Spot and other fungal diseases.  This year is unlike the summer of 2009 which offered moisture and COOL temperatures . . . an environment ideal for White Mold in soybeans and not a high need to spray for GLS in corn.  

With pollen-shed now in full swing throughout much of Central and Northern Illinois, the crop dusting planes are in full throttle.  It is projected that a majority of the corn fungicide should be applied by the end of next week.  Check with your local crop scout or retailer for more information on exact timing of fungicide on your individual hybrids.  Timing may vary based on planting dates and heat units required for certain hybrids to reach the reproductive stage.

Remember: Never apply crop oil, non-ionic surfactants or other unapproved spray additives in combination with fungicides prior to tassel emergence to avoid Arrested Ears as found in 2007.  Certain products, such as CoRoN, are approved tank mixes and do not cause problems.