Considerations for late-planted corn

Considerations for Late Planted Corn
The question is how much yield loss can I expect when I plant corn the first week of June? Corn yield decreases significantly during the last part of May and first part of June. Research indicates a 75% crop during the first week of June then dropping to the 60s the second week of June. These are estimates based on the yield potential of a given year. If we have good weather, we can expect good yields based on this type of year but if growing conditions are poor, then we will have poorer yields compared to these estimates.
As corn is planted later, there should be better stands. You may consider reducing planting populations by 5%. This is a suggestion made by Dr. Bob Nielsen, Purdue University. The thought is when planting early typically, you lose some stand from poor planting conditions. However, with the warm soils, one should have better stands.
Also, you should check to make sure you are planting deep enough to be in moisture. Later planted corn has a tendency to dry out because of the higher temperatures. Do not plant less than one and one-half inches deep.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.