Commodity Classic 2020: Dr. Fred Below Presents 'The Need for Narrow: The Future of Corn Production'

"In 15 years, the U.S. will be at the maximum population for a 30-inch [corn] row. That means, THE FUTURE OF CORN HAS TO BE NARROW ROWS." - Dr. Fred. Below, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois

Dr. Fred Below presents "Need for Narrow: The Future of Corn Production" at Commodity Classic 2020. Brad and Randy Bales of Fairholme Farms join the discussion to provide an up close look of how they've successfully moved to to an enhanced management system in 20-inch rows.

Source: Taped at 2020 Commodity Classic, Feb. 27-29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas.

[robertreznik]

In Texas Panhandle close to Clovis NM back in the 1950's we started using 14-26 inch spacing of grain sorghum on 40" beds for furrow irrigation. Then in the 1960's we grew corn on 18-22" and harvested with a JD 105 and a JD 820 row head. That was when 200 bu/ac corn became possible over many fields. We used Pioneer 3369A because of its upright leaves. Back then shatter cane weed control was difficult so we went to 30" to cultivating but lost some yield. We also placed the fertilizer (82% ammonia and 10-34) in a 20" band before pre-irrigation then planting on the side of the bed with Acra-plant openers. I learned much about plant physiology and soil science at OPSU in the 1960's.