Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/05/2017] [06/04/2018]

Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Anchor, Courtney , Penn State University, gwr@psu.edu
Blaine, Katlin, Michigan State University, blaineka@msu.edu
Brautigam, Paul, Thurston Genetics, paul.brautigam@basf.com
Breining, Jim, Penn State University, jab94@psu.edu
Chelko, Cory, Local Seed Company, cory.chelko@localseed.com
Coulter, Jeffrey, University of Minnesota, coult077@umn.edu
Czerwinski, Matthew, Grain Farmers of Ontario, mczerwinski@gfo.ca
Guttendorf, Mark, Growmark FS, mguttendorf@growmarkfs.com
Kear, Philip, Cornell Plant Breeding & Genetics, pjk227@cornell.edu
Lawrence, Joe, Cornell University PRO-DAIRY, jrl65@cornell.edu
Ma, Baoluo, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, baoluo.ma@agr.gc.ca
Messersmith, Doug, Local Seed Company, Doug.Messersmith@localseed.com
Norman, Sherrie, Cornell Plant Breeding & Genetics, san9@cornell.edu
Palanichamy, Dhyan, Cornell Plant Breeding & Genetics, dp429@cornell.edu
Payne, Keith, Cornell Plant Breeding & Genetics, krp6@cornell.edu
Richter, Annett, Boyce Thompson Institute, ar2246@cornell.edu
Roth, Greg, Penn State University, gwr@psu.edu
Singh, Maninder, Michigan State University, msingh@msu.edu
Smith, Margaret, Cornell University, mes25@cornell.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Northeastern Corn Improvement Conference (NECC29) Business Meeting

15 February 2018, Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

The Business Meeting was called to order by Greg Roth at 4:00 PM.

State and provincial reports on the 2017 corn crop were presented and industry updates shared.

It was noted that the meeting was great – it had a nice focus on agronomics.

Collectively the group agreed to reach out to new public sector researchers in the northeast and in surrounding states, to continue to encourage graduate students to attend, and to reach out also to extension professionals. Other options to maintain and build interest in the annual conference included suggestions of having a poster session and possibly offering graduate student presentation awards.

For the 2019 annual meeting, Wooster OH was suggested as a possible location.  Greg Roth agreed to ask Alex Lindsey and/or Peter Thomison from Ohio State University if either or both would be willing to serve as chair/co-chairs next year.  We should consider meeting dates that fall in a Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday time frame.

The group offered their sincere thanks to Greg Roth for organizing this year’s excellent program.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Margaret Smith, Cornell University 

 

2017 Ohio State Report

P.R. Thomison, The Ohio State University

In 2017, 205 corn hybrids representing 25 commercial brands were evaluated in the Ohio Corn Performance Test (OCPT). Four tests were established in the Southwestern/West Central/Central (SW/WC/C) region and three tests were established in the Northwestern (NW) and North Central/Northeastern (NC/NE) regions (for a total of ten test sites statewide).  Hybrid entries in the regional tests were planted in either an early or a full season maturity trial. These test sites provided a range of growing conditions and production environments.

The 2017 Ohio growing season was characterized by one of the warmest springs on record (the month of April was the warmest on record). Precipitation at test sites in April was near normal but 1 to 4inches above normal at most test sites in May and June. Temperatures in July were near normal but rainfall was considerably above normal at most sites especially those in Northwest, Southwest, West Central, and Central Ohio. Rainfall at the Hebron site was 12 inches above normal whereas that at Wooster it was slightly less than one inch above normal. The impact of drier than normal conditions in August and September were mitigated by below average temperatures. Foliar diseases and insect pests were generally not a major factor. However, rust, primarily common rust, was evident at several locations. Warm, dry conditions during the latter half of September through mid-October promoted crop maturation, which was important for late plantings and dry down, but persistent rains in November delayed harvest of late planted sites.

Despite excessive rainfall, which resulted in planting delays at several sites, as well as periods of dry weather during grain fill, OCPT corn yields generally exceeded those of recent years.  Averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, yields were 268 bu/A in the Southwestern/West Central/Central region, 235 bu/A in the Northwestern region, and 233 in the North Central/Northeastern region.  Yields at individual test sites, averaged across hybrid entries in the early and full season tests, ranged from 195 bu/A at Hoytville to 283 bu/A at Hebron. Lodging was largely absent across sites except at Van Wert and Upper Sandusky where some hybrids lodged as a result of heavy rains and strong winds in early November. Performance data for Washington Court House in the SW region and Bucyrus (Full Season) in the NE region are not presented due to variable field conditions that resulted in erratic stands, uneven growth and inconsistent yields.

Source:

Rich Minyo, Allen Geyer, Peter Thomison, and David Lohnes. 2017. 2017 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews. C.O.R.N. Newsletter. OSU Extension. 12-01-2017.

 

Report on Ontario Corn Production in 2017

Bao-Luo Ma, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Based on the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) report http://fieldcropnews.com/2018/01/2017-corn-seasonal-summary/, 2017 was an unusual year for corn growth and development, but it was overall one of the best years for corn production with record high yield for both grain and fodder yields.

Ontario corn produced have faced tremendous challenges for timely planting: Due to heavy and frequent rains in late April and May, 80-90% of intended corn acres in Southwestern and Eastern Ontario did not plant until the end of the 3^rdweek (May 20), while planting was reported to be slightly behind in parts of Central Ontario. 

Given that soil conditions remained relatively cool, it took longer than normal for some of the earlier planted corn to emerge. Slow emergence and wet soil affected early growth and favoured bug infestation. Soil nitrate N was lower in mid-June in 2017 compared to that in the other years. Frequent rainfall events occurred in June, July and part of August, while September was unusually hot and dry, which may have promoted leaf photosynthesis and grain filling. As a result, provincial average yield of grain corn was unusually higher than expected, 167 bu/ac, compared to 158.5 bu/ac in 2016, and not much different from the record yield of 170.6 bu/ac in 2015. Ontario corn producers harvested about 2 million acre of grain corn, and had 295,000 acres of fodder corn with record fodder yield as well (22.4 t/acre).

 

Minnesota 2017 Corn Production Report

Jeffrey A. Coulter, University of Minnesota

There were 8.05 million acres of corn in Minnesota in 2017, 5% less than in 2016 and 4% less than the 5-year (2012–2016) average. In general, the 2017 growing season was exceptionally favorable for corn production, although the weather created challenges. Wet conditions delayed corn planting until early May and most corn was planted by mid-May. Cool and wet conditions resulted in more frequent unevenness in emergence compared to previous years and resulted in slow early-season growth. Growing degree day accumulation and corn development were near normal by mid-July when corn began to tassel. However, cool air temperatures occurred during the second half of August, delaying corn maturity and contributing to higher grain moisture at harvest. Soil moisture and air temperature during grain fill were favorable for corn throughout most of the state, except in west-central and northwestern Minnesota which were drier. Wet weather delayed corn grain harvest, which was not widespread until mid-October. Most grain harvest was complete by early to mid-November. Ninety five percent of Minnesota’s corn acres were harvested for grain. Record-high grain yield occurred in 2017 (statewide average = 194 bushels per acre), similar to that in 2016 (193 bushels per acre) and 13% greater than the 5-year (2012–2016) average. Silage yield averaged 21.5 tons per acre for Minnesota in 2017, identical to that in 2016 and 19% greater than the 5-year (2012–2016) average.

Palmer amaranth was first detected in Minnesota in 2016 and was more prevalent in 2017. Bacterial leaf streak of corn, also first confirmed in Minnesota in 2016, was more widespread in 2017 but not of major concern. Goss’s wilt was more prevalent than in previous years and continues to influence hybrid selection. There were continued problems with performance of certain Bt corn rootworm traits. A major emphasis in Minnesota is improving water quality through agronomic practices and land use. There was increased interest in inter-seeding cover crops into corn, although adoption was low. Some growers inter-seeded cover crops into corn during June. New legislation resulted in increased establishment of permanent vegetative buffers along waterways.

 

2017 New York State Report

Sherrie Norman, Keith Payne, Daniel Fisher, Margaret Smith, Cornell University

The 2017 season in New York again had precipitation extremes, more similar to 2015 than to the dry conditions we had seen in 2016. The 2017 growing season was characterized by unusually high rainfall in early summer, with rains lasting well into the summer months in many areas. Cool temperatures and rainfall in May led to frequent planting delays. Earlier planted acres showed good growth and development, while acres planted after the prolonged rains set in were typically small and stressed. Generally wet conditions prevailed in many areas of the state through July, complicating many field operations. August and September were drier, but with plenty of soil moisture to support the crop. Warmer than average conditions in September and October helped the crop to mature well despite the excess moisture. The excessive rains starting in April led to seven New York counties being designated as primary natural disaster areas, and 23 additional contiguous counties also being eligible for natural disaster assistance. These include eight of New York’s top ten corn-producing counties. With all the rainfall, one might have expected pressure from fungal leaf blights, but disease pressure was generally low across the state.

Despite the excessive rainfall during the early growing season, corn yields in 2017 were excellent. Field corn was planted on a million acres in the state. Silage was harvested from 495,000 acres with a state average yield of 18 tons/acre. Grain acres harvested were slightly less than silage acres – a total of 485,000 acres were harvested as grain in 2017. State average yield was reported at 161 bu/A – well above the previous records of 149 bu/A in 2010 and 148 bu/A in 2014.

Yield increases for New York’s silage crop have been fairly steady at 0.12 tons/acre/year for the past 65 years. New York corn grain yields continued to increase at a rate of 1.4 bu/acre/year over this same time period, with 2017 standing out as a record high year.

 

2017 PA Corn Report

Jim Breining and Greg Roth, Penn  State University

The crop year 2017 was a very good one for corn. Our planting season started off slowly. A late winter snow storm blanketed most of the state in March and cooler, wetter conditions prevailed through most of March and April. Some corn was planted the last week of April, but most area’s remained unplanted until conditions improved around May 15. At that time, conditions statewide were much improved and corn planting was primarily concentrated from the 15^ththrough June 1. The earliest planted corn survived the cool and wet soil conditions pretty well. Could this be attributed to better seed treatments?

Our summer months, June through August were generally a little cooler and wetter than average. We experienced no prolonged heat or drought extremes this year. The corn crop came through this timeframe with very little stress. August had much below normal temperatures, with numerous mornings recording lows in the 40’s. There was concern at this time about the maturity and development of grain. However, September provided the growing degrees necessary to compensate and the crop finished up nicely.

Our corn silage harvest commenced in late August; about a week later than normal. Warmer September temperatures kept the crop moving ahead nicely. Our corn silage trial harvest was completed by the end of September. Yield and quality were both very good and weather conditions were favorable.

Corn grain harvest was delayed a little longer than normal due to high grain moisture. We started harvesting our trials on October 14. We had most locations off by November 24. A combination of higher grain moisture and wet field conditions made harvest this year a challenge. Corn yields were generally very good.

The NASS numbers indicate PA had 1,350,000 acres planted to corn in 2017, a reduction of 50,000 acres from 2016. Corn for grain production was 920,000 acres, about 30,000 acres less than 2016. Corn silage acres were 420,000, about 20,000 acres less than 2016. Statewide, the corn grain yield was 161.0 Bu/acre and corn silage was 21.5 Tons/acre; both record highs.

Accomplishments

<p>An annual meeting was held&nbsp;for&nbsp;northeast corn breeders, geneticists, pathologists, physiologists, entomologists, and agronomists from the public and private sectors, and research results were shared. &nbsp;Information was exchanged about the spread of pests specific to the northeastern US and eastern Canada. Coordinated corn silage testing results were shared, involving joint evaluations in NY and VT, and shared protocols among these two states and PA. &nbsp;General reports on the status of the 2017 corn crop across the region were presented. &nbsp;Graduate student presentations and participation in the conference provided&nbsp;professional development and networking opportunities to the new generation of researchers.</p>

Publications

<p>Lawrence, J., T. Overton, M. Smith, M. van Amburgh, A. Lawton, S. Norman, K. Payne, and D. Fisher.&nbsp;2016.&nbsp; New York State Corn Hybrid Silage Trials - 2016.&nbsp; Pro-Dairy, Plant Breeding &amp; Genetics, and Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY.&nbsp; 12 pp. &nbsp;https://scs.cals.cornell.edu/sites/scs.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/NY%20CS%20Hybrid%20Trial%20Report%20Final%2012-2016.pdf</p><br /> <p>Ohio State University Extension. 2017. Ohio Agronomy Guide. 15th Edition. OSU Extension, Columbus, OH.</p><br /> <p>Ontario Corn Committee. 2017. 2016 Crop Year Report. &nbsp;http://www.gocorn.net/v2006/CornReports/2016cornreport/2016performancetrials.html</p><br /> <p>Rich Minyo, Allen Geyer, Peter Thomison, and David Lohnes. 2017. 2017 Ohio Corn Performance Test: Regional Overviews. C.O.R.N. Newsletter. OSU Extension. 12-01-2017.</p><br /> <p>Roth, G. 2017. &nbsp;Pennsylvania Commercial Grain and Silage Hybrid Corn Tests Report. &nbsp;2016 Results. &nbsp;Penn State Extension. &nbsp;36 pp. &nbsp;https://extension.psu.edu/2016-results-pa-commercial-grain-and-silage-hybrid-corn-tests-report</p><br /> <p>Smith, M.E. and J. Singer.&nbsp; 2017.&nbsp;Corn grain hybrid selection.&nbsp; pp. 53-55.&nbsp; In: Thomas-Murphy, J. (ed.) 2018 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management.&nbsp; Pesticide Management Education Program, Cornell University, Ithaca NY.&nbsp; 160 pp.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>Smith, M.E. 2017.&nbsp; 2016 New York Hybrid Corn Grain Performance Trials.&nbsp; Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Plant Breeding and Genetics 2017-1.&nbsp; 12 pp. &nbsp;https://plbrgen.cals.cornell.edu/sites/plbrgen.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/corn-variety/2016-NY-Hybrid-Corn-Grain-Performance-Trials.pdf</p>

Impact Statements

1. New protocols for corn silage evaluation were shared and discussed.

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