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County Impact Statements - Craighead County
Corn Production on the Rise in Craighead County
Corn production in Craighead County has fluctuated over the past several
years. Price concerns and aflotoxin problems prevented most producers from
growing this excellent rotational crop. Prices have recovered and the necessity
for irrigation has been shown, many producers have begun to incorporate corn
into their crop rotation to help to build organic matter and act as a non-host
crop for the soybean cyst nematode.
A large plot demonstration was established with 33 varieties during 2003.
This to my knowledge was the largest variety plot of this kind in this county.
Varieties were harvested for yield so producers could then evaluate which
varieties would perform well under our growing conditions.
A pre-tassel nitrogen application demonstration was also included in this 80
acre demonstration.
This was the second year for a Corn Research Verification Trial which was
located in the western part of the county. University recommendations were
followed in producing this crop. All weather information was recorded
automatically using a remote weather station. Irrigations were scheduled using
the computerized University of Arkansas Irrigation Scheduling Program.
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A 33 variety corn test used as a learning tool for producers.
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Impacts
- 33 producers attended corn production meeting. Improved variety
selection, fertility strategies, and weed control programs were discussed.
- 55 people attended the County Crop Tour and were able to observe and
compare 33 corn varieties as well as a fertility demonstration.
- Corn verification program improved producers average yield results from
20 to 40 bushels per acre.
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