What's smart about SMART Corn

Corn in the Summerland FFA test plot was sky high by the Fourth of July. Some of the rows shot toward the sun, towering over other varieties.

The chapter's test plot program, in its second year, is in a new location. Landowner Bob Napier said the plot now sits on the west side of the school, near the football team's practice field.

"Signs will go up in August," Napier said.

FFA students, along with advisor Jacob Goldfuss, ventured to the area on April 24, meeting with representatives from Brevant, Channel, DeKalb, Golden Harvest, NC

Plus and Pioneer seed companies. Representatives discussed the hybrids as Napier pulled the planter through the soil.

Representatives from NC Plus explained the importance of emergence testing.

"The kids (from the plant science class) checked when it spiked and recorded data four days in a row," Napier said.

Students enrolled in the introduction to agriculture class conducted population testing.

With the move to a new location, Napier was able to expand the test plot, which fills "about five acres," and includes four rows each of the 24 varieties planted.

One unique feature is the addition of Smart corn, developed by Bayer Crop Science.

Napier said, "It's unique to have it in an FFA plot. The kids think it's top secret."

According to Bayer, only 300 growers across the corn belt will "have access to this new corn system."

Bayer representatives said the Smart Corn System will debut for commercial use in 2024.

The short-stature corn will include three hybrid options, ranging from 108- to 112-day maturity.

Smart Corn plants will reach between five and seven feet, considerably shorter than a traditional corn variety, which can tower anywhere from nine to 12 feet.

The shorter height provides for in-season applications of nitrogen, insecticides and fungicides.

Napier said the Smart Corn has a bigger stalk and root.

"Ears have to be two feet off the ground," he said.

The structure of the plant means it's sturdier, making it easier to stand up to green snap.

During population checks, students determined a 36,000 count among the regular corn population.

The Smart Corn rows were thicker, testing at 40,000.

"It flew up like the rest of them," he said.

The Ewing farmer said he thinks yields should be similar, "But the jury's out until we test it."

Yield data will not be made available to the FFA Chapter.

Once school is back in session, Napier hopes agriculture classes will be able to interact with the plot.

A field day will be scheduled later. Seed representatives will be on hand and the public will be invited to visit the plot.