In the world of corn production, having a solid game plan can mean the difference between average yields and record-breaking harvests.

This year, the University of Missouri’s Variety Testing Program, led by senior research specialist Mark Wieberg, experienced a near-flawless growing season, and the results exceeded expectations.

“When you sit down before the season, how you’d like to draw it up, how you’d like it to work,” he reflects, “that’s pretty much how our corn season went.”

From early planting and near-ideal weather conditions to record-setting corn yields, it led to one of the best years on record for corn production for the university.

Most locations averaged well over 200 bushels per acre. Wieberg notes that only three locations failed to surpass this benchmark, a rare occurrence.

This year’s testing program provides Missouri farmers with valuable game-plan insights on timing and hybrid choices, helping to shape a successful strategy for corn production in 2025.

Early planting set season in motion

With uninterrupted, dry conditions, the planting was smooth and quick, creating a significant milestone.

“This was by far the earliest we’ve ever completed corn planting,” Wieberg notes of the April 17 finish date.

Without unexpected delays, the early planting allowed the corn to take advantage of optimal growing conditions in the weeks that followed.

“We didn’t really see a lot of disease in the corn this year, and insect pressure was also low,” Wieberg adds. “It was just hot, but in a good way that didn’t hinder the crops.”

Favorable weather boosts crop

Much of the corn crop’s success depends on weather, and this season brought near-ideal conditions across Missouri.

“The rains in May and June really got the corn to a good spot, and even July gave us some timely rain,” Wieberg says.

However, conditions weren’t perfect everywhere. The Rockport location, in northwest Missouri, experienced too much rain, which resulted in flooding — not once, but twice. Wieberg’s team omitted data from this site for the trial results.

Harvest season, like planting, arrived earlier than expected.

Corn matured faster than usual, Wieberg says, catching the team slightly off guard and allowing them to begin harvesting a full two weeks ahead of schedule.

Top-tier yields

Results from the test plots saw the Northwest and Central regions post some of the highest yields. While the Southeast also performed well, Wieberg says the output didn’t quite reach “bumper crop” status by local standards.

Despite southwest Missouri experiencing drier fields because of a third year of drought conditions, the region still produced above-average yields compared to past years. In areas such as Lamar, with limited rainfall, the average dryland corn yield reached nearly 163 bushels per acre.

Beyond the sheer volume of corn harvested, the grain quality stood out this season.

“The quality of corn was just super,” Wieberg adds. “Test weights were unbelievably high, and the grain quality was some of the best we’ve seen.”

Final thoughts heading into ‘25

Wieberg says farmers should look at data from their region to help with crop management decisions. He notes it is important to assess multiple years of information and not rely on one stellar year.

Still, he added 2024 is indicative of what the state’s corn growers can produce under ideal conditions.

Click through the slideshow to view the Top 10 corn hybrids by region in this year’s MU Variety Testing Program. For the entire data set, visit varietytesting.missouri.edu.