The historically high state and national corn ratings would suggest a near to record crop this season, but not all industry experts agree with that projection. Monsanto Agronomist Keith Mockler covers South Dakota. He says the 76-percent good to excellent rating nationally and 82-percent in the state are extremely high. However, he thinks USDA is overshooting the acre figure as well as yield, with their 165.3 bushel per acre estimate.
He says the favorable weather during pollination is positive for corn production as heat during reproduction can trim yield potential. However few growing degree days are being accumulated either.
In fact, prior to this cool spell GDUs were tracking closely with the 30 year average and losing heat units isn’t a concern unless it continues for a much longer span.