2008 Year End Update

Harvest

The corn harvest of 2008 can best be described as "Variable". Some yields have been good while some have been off 15-20 bushels from last year's exceptional yields. Harvest season has been longer due to the extended planting season and harvest moistures were slow to drop out. Parts of 3 hurricanes affected the crop across the south and we have experienced more lodging than normal due to days of rain and high wind.

Hybrid Evaluation

Post harvest is a good time to begin to look at hybrid choices for the next year. With the volatility in yields this year, it is more important than ever to look at multiple year yield averages for hybrids. Review data from University Official Variety Trials, Extension Standardized Trials, and Company Yield Trials in addition to your on farm experiences with key hybrids. Company sales reps and agronomists will work with you to best position their hybrids on your farm. Book your corn seed before the end of the year. This will allow your dealer to source your hybrids choices and get them into their dealership long before planting begins.

Fall Field Work

Timely spring planting begins in the fall. Applying P and K fertilizer and bedding up in the fall will allow you to burndown and plant earlier in the spring. An application of a residual herbicide like Valor or Resolve (when activated with a rain) will generally keep your fields clean until corn planting time.

Prepay Discounts

Many corn seed companies offer prepay discounts. These discounts are generally very attractive relative to the time you use the money. With overall interest rates being lower, prepay discounts could be more beneficial than ever. The best prepay discounts are usually in November, so keep your eyes open for a good rate. Prepay discounts will not be limited to just seed. Look for opportunities to prepay other inputs to have a good handle on your 2009 production costs.

2009 Corn Acres/ Market Demand

The commodity markets have been impacted by the current financial situation just like any other type of market. Investment money has left the commodity funds as it has other stock and mutual fund investments. The corn market needs 5 million more acres in 2009 to meet demand. To do that, there will have to be a financial incentive for corn acres over bean acres. With increasing fertilizer input costs, the corn market will need to rally to achieve the desired acreage increases. Watch for spikes in the market to price your 2009 corn crop.

Always follow grain marketing and IRM requirements and pesticide label directions. B.t. traited products may not be registered in all states. Check with your seed representative for registration status in your area. Acceleron™, Acceleron and Design™, Genuity™, Genuity and Design™, Genuity Icons, Processor Preferred and Design®, Roundup®, Roundup Ready®, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design™, VT Triple PRO™, YieldGard®, YieldGard VT and Design®, YieldGard VT Rootworm/RR2®, and YieldGard VT Triple® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® is a registered trademark of National Corn Growers Association. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2009 Monsanto Company. Belle™ and Southern to the Cob™ is a trademark of Cullum Seeds, LLC.