Richard Taylor, Extension Agronomist; rtaylor@udel.edu
On Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 pm on January 15, 2014, the agronomy planning committee has secured Mr. King Corn, himself, better known as Dr. Bob Nielsen from Purdue University to speak about corn production problems that growers often encounter. Many producers may currently follow Dr. Nielsen’s ‘Corny News Network (CNN)’ via the articles posted online at the Chat ‘n Chew Café on the web at http://www.kingcorn.org.cafe. The same articles are also available by accessing the Café in a mobile Web format at http://www.kingcorn.org/cafe/mobile.html. Dr. Nielsen is also found on Twitter via @PurdueCornGuy.
Dr. Nielsen will speak first on stress effects on corn during different development stages. A brief abstract of that talk follows. “From germination to ultimate death of the plant after seed maturation, a variety of stresses can impact development of the corn plant. This session will begin as corn seed is placed in bags for delivery to the farmer and trace the effects on crop growth and development that result from a variety of crop stresses throughout the life of the crop. Learn about the impact on crop performance caused by various stresses as well as management options for minimizing the effects of those stresses.” This first talk will run from 6:00 to 7:30 pm and be followed by a short break.
Dr. Nielsen has also agreed to present a second talk entitled ‘Growin’ Good Corn: Rocket Science or Common Sense?’ which will run from 7:45 to 9:00 pm. The following is a brief abstract that Dr. Nielsen has provided us. “World population continues to increase. Global demand for food continues to increase. Grain yields of major agronomic crops need to increase to meet this demand. Some believe that “biotech” hybrid traits have already helped us begin to “turn the corner” on increasing grain yield. Consequently, some predict the average U.S. national corn yield will be 300 bu/ac by the year 2030. Does history offer any guidance on the likelihood of achieving this? What does it require to significantly “raise the bar” for corn yields? Join us for a lively discussion.”
A few of our local growers have heard Dr. Nielsen speak at our annual Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School and can certainly testify to the lively discussions that can occur with Bob in the room speaking. Please set aside this date (January 15, 2014) and time (6 to 9 pm) and join us for a great discussion of corn production in the Dover Building on the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, DE.
An added note: Dr. Nielsen will join us for the Agronomy/Soybean Day Thursday program and speak on ‘Reading Corn Ears’ on Thursday morning so plan to be back bright and early on January 16, 2014 for another great program.