(NAFB) Wind storms, hurricanes, derechos, and the like can wreak havoc with corn stalks knocking them over and killing the yield. But a short corn developed by Bayer Crop Science is being tested on about 30,000 acres in the Midwest with the promise of offering farmers a variety that can withstand powerful windstorms. Eastern Iowa corn farmer Cameron Sorgenfrey has been growing newly developed short corn for several years now.
He says that an event four years ago was a real eye-opener for a lot of farmers.
The short corn’s smaller stature and sturdier base enables it to withstand winds of up to 50 miles an hour, and the smaller plants also let farmers plant at greater density. Sorgenfrey likes the results he’s seen.
The smaller stalks could also lead to less water use at a time of growing drought concerns. Sorgenfrey thinks short corn is the wave of the future.
Iowa farmer Cameron Sorgenfrey.
