THERE ARE REASONS WHY SEED COMPANIES TELL YOU NOT TO PLANT CORN EARLY…
However, by the time the word reaches you at the farm gate, those reasons are rarely articulated clearly. Here’s what’s causing seed companies to ask you to wait to plant.
1. POOR RESULTS ON THEIR COLD GERMINATION TESTS.
The law requires seed companies to run warm germination tests (which are done at 77 degrees) and put the results on the seed tag. To my knowledge, nearly all seed companies also run tests to see how their seed will perform if temperatures are too cold. They are not required by law to tell you those results or to print the results on the seed label. Since not all seed is suitable for planting in colder soils, many choose to recommend waiting to plant until soils are significantly warmer rather than risk poor stands and replant issues.
2. INSUFFICIENT SEED TREATMENTS.
Some seed companies really focus on getting the very best seed treatments, but most are much more worried about just having good hybrids. It’s tough to be an expert with passion for both chemistry and seed. Seed treatment also adds cost, and many would rather not have to educate and explain its value. Without the best seed treatments on your seed, it’s good advice to wait to plant until later, as you will have issues in some years.
3. SOME HYBRIDS JUST DON’T HAVE GOOD EARLY VIGOR.
If so, then you really shouldn’t plant them early.
WHY IS 40 SERIES CORN DIFFERENT?
HEFTY BRAND 40 SERIES CORN is unique in the industry because all it addresses all the reasons why others don’t recommend planting early.
WHY DID WE DO THAT? Early planted corn often has more yield potential. Also, we have a short growing season. By planting early, we can potentially use fuller season hybrids that have more yield potential. Finally, we have so much to do and not many days to get it done. Being able to plant early leaves more time to execute everything else (weed control, fertility, planting other crops, etc.).
HOW TO USE 40 SERIES CORN ON YOUR FARM
40 Series Corn is tested to perform as the first corn you plant each season. Our guidelines for use are pretty simple:
- SOIL MUST BE FIT (DRY)
- PLANT ON OR AFTER YOUR FIRST CROP INSURANCE DATE FOR YOUR AREA, BUT IF YOU CAN BUY AN EARLIER CROP INSURANCE DATE, THAT’S FINE TOO.
With industry-leading cold germination and early vigor, 40 Series Corn allows you to successfully plant earlier than other corn hybrids. The “40” in the name comes from the ability of corn to begin germination at 40 degrees.
WHY WAIT UNTIL THE SOIL IS 50 DEGREES OR MORE, LOSING YOU VALUABLE TIME?