Question: I know I need even, picket-fence stands. Now all the talk is about getting all the corn up within 24 hours. How can I make that happen? How can I tell if it happens or not? Do I need a "corn cam" in the field, supplying video to my computer so I can literally watch the corn grow?

At first, you may think the farmer voicing these questions is being facetious by the time he gets to the "corn cam" notion. Actually, the technology is there to do this. Whether it makes sense or not is another matter. 

Here is how the panel of Indiana Certified Crop Advisers answers these questions. This month’s panel includes Jesse Grogan, agronomist, LG Seeds, Lafayette; Greg Kneubuhler, G&K Concepts, Harlan; and Tom Stein, manager of the Boswell and Templeton branches for Ceres Solutions.

Grogan: One can plant and prepare for the best results, but weather and resulting field conditions play a big role in the outcome. Corn growth models are correlated with weather information by farm or field in precision farming software. That information can be used to predict crop development. You don’t need a corn cam!

Kneubuhler: Picket-fence stands and uniform emergence are equally important. The first may be easier to accomplish than the second. Getting each kernel to germinate and emerge within 24 to 36 hours of each other is important for several reasons. If the neighboring corn plant is more than 2 collars apart on growth stage, that plant will typically act like a weed. Uniform germination also maintains consistent and uniform growth stages. Achieving this means having a planter set up properly, running seed firmers, implementing uniform tillage and using correct down pressure.

Many of the factors necessary to achieve uniform emergence are within your control. The yield is often in the details. Mother Nature can throw curveballs and negate all the "controllables." Yet controlling the controllables as much as possible will always set the stage for the best opportunity.  

Stein: I recommend a four-step process. 1) Start by making sure seeding depth ensures sufficient, uniform soil moisture in the seed zone. This could be 2.5 to 3 inches deep. Planting shallower than 1.5 inches increases risk of uneven emergence. 2) Make sure seeding depth provides satisfactory and stable soil temperatures in the seed zone — above 50 degrees F. 3) Check for consistent seed-to-soil contact by managing trash, residue and clods. 4) If you still have time, select a hybrid with good seedling vigor and emergence ratings.

Grogan: Plant consistently at 1.5 to 2 inches deep so seed has uniform temperature and will develop a healthy root system when soil conditions are fit. Make sure the seed furrow is even and firm. Don’t allow a front coulter to run deeper than the double-disk openers. Properly adjust row cleaners so residue is removed without moving soil. Use pop-up liquid fertilizer in furrow or 2-by-2-inch starter fertilizer that is properly calibrated and adjusted for each row. Don’t let the planter bounce or "chatter" across the field. Keep the planter level.