Economical Corn Hybrids in Northern Missouri

Traditionally, hybrid seed corn has been purchased only from a local dealer network. Through seed company mergers and amalgamations many hybrid seed corn producers and associates were left without jobs. To remain in the hybrid seed corn production business, and make use of their seed processing equipment and grower network, they elected to market hybrid seed corn directly, bypassing a local dealer system. Examples of direct marketers are Fielders Choice Direct, Unity Seed and Heartland Hybrids. These companies advertise in major farm magazines and send out seed corn description booklets. Customers order and pay for their hybrid seed corn at $60.00-$100.00/80,000 kernels depending on the technology requested like Bt (Yieldgard), RR (Roundup Ready), etc. The hybrid seed is shipped to designated warehouse/distributors where producers pick it up for planting. These research plots are comparing the performance of direct-marketed hybrids, foundation hybrids, with a popular Pioneer and DeKalb hybrid. Plots were replicated 4 times and planted on April 29, 2005 in 30-inch rows at 30,000 seeds/acre. Foundation Seed Company hybrids are listed as pedigrees, inbred line x inbred line.

Standability was excellent on all hybrids and from the yields you can tell it was a dry year.

Fielders Choice Direct is the largest direct marketed hybrid seed corn company. www.fielderschoicedirect.com

MBS is Mike Brayton Seeds Genetics, LLC, Story City, Iowa is a foundation seed company. mbs@mbsgenetics.com

BtII lines have corn borer resistance. Hx-is Herculex a newer Bt for corn borer resistance.