Leaders from the National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates sent a letter to one of the nation’s largest fertilizer producers taking to task the tariffs that were imposed in March at the request of the fertilizer company. Fertilizer prices have since skyrocketed, and NCGA continues to make noise about the fertilizer market situation.

Since 2020, all nitrogen fertilizers are now more than double in price: anhydrous is up by 131% and urea by 110%. Potash is up by 120%.

The substantial run-up in fertilizer prices seems to discourage corn plantings next season.

But don’t look for a big switch to soybeans just yet. The economics of crop production actually favor corn over soybeans across the state, according to University of Illinois ag economists

Corn growers showed the amazing possibilities open to agriculture with the use of modern seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices this year as David Hula topped the 600 bushel-per-acre mark again this year in NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest. Hula, of Charles City, Virginia, repeated his accomplishment and produced the highest yield in the contest with 602.1694 bushels per acre. These great yields, which have been achieved nationwide despite many challenges, reflect farmers' resilience and deep dedication to continuous improvement.

Ron Heiniger encourages farmers who are considering giving up on planting corn next year due to astronomical fertilizer prices to think again, as long as they can pencil in a good yield.

Speaking at a Nov. 5 Zoom meeting, “Utilizing Fertilizers More Efficiently,” Heiniger, North Carolina State University Extension corn specialist said even in a scenario where there is a 230% increase in nitrogen costs in 2022, corn at good yields remains competitive compared to soybeans or grain sorghum.

Dave Nanda found a stalk on the outside row of a cornfield that typifies what corn yield potential could be someday. The stalk had one huge ear and a second good-size ear. Using the yield estimation formula, if you had 32,000 stalks like that per acre, you would harvest over 580 bushels of corn.

Despite all the talk about improving soil health, soil carbon, cover crops and other hot topics, it may be easy to overlook the considerable impact that crop residue management has on soils and future productivity. Following harvest, we face a unique situation because corn produces far more biomass than other row crops, as well as cover crops. Historically, many perceive this corn residue as “trash” or a problem which should be removed by fire or heavily manipulated by tillage. However, crop residue generated in production systems can produce substantial long-term benefits if managed appropriately, particularly since our southern soils are naturally low in organic matter.

Some of the worst cornstalk and ear rot fungi live in your soils. Crop rotations help, but some pathogens that cause the most damage can still survive for several years. If you were lucky enough to have ample rains for a good crop, chances are you have some disease organisms “lurking in the bushes,” waiting to attack your corn.