Corn is a Resource Worth Developing to its Full Potential

Wake up world! 160 bushels per acre! That is the 2010 national average yield being predicted by IA St. meteorologist Elwynn Taylor. In 1980 family farmers produced 80 bushels an acre. That’s a “holy cow” statistic if there ever was one.

 Taylor, quoted in the farmgate blog today says there is a 23 percent chance of more than 173 bu. and a 17 percent  chance of below 142 bu., but he says consistent yields since 1996 reduces the chances of those.  Adoption of technology and innovation by farmers are tilting the odds in our favor.

 What does all this mean for consumers? America’s family farmers are growing more corn today than at any previous time in history and the trend is accelerating. And they are doing so with less everything…fuel, water, chemicals, fertilizer, etc…Corn production has nearly doubled since 1980.

This amazing accomplishment has occurred during some very rough growing seasons like 2009. This year’s wet conditions have farmers still in the field but when they are done they will harvest about 13 billion bushels of corn.

This is simple math;  a growing volume of corn + a 27percent reduction in water use + a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gases + a 37 percent reduction in land required + a 37 percent reduction in energy required and a 69 percent reduction in soil loss = A MONSTER ECONOMIC ENGINE.

Corn is arguably the most versatile commodity on the planet and can be used for food, feed, fuel, fabrics, biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, fireworks, batteries, and on and on for thousands of uses.  None grows corn better than American family farmers. There is a not so subtle message here if we are willing to listen. As my old man used to say, “If you want to succeed, go with your strengths.”