The major seed companies are evaluating short-stature corn. Bayer’s Preceon Agronomy Lead Andrew Penney highlights the benefits. “The biggest thing is obviously wind protection, right? Wind is something growers across the Corn Belt are nervous about every year, and with the reduction in damage with short corn, it gets us really excited. The second thing is just the season-long access.” Short corn delivers a 39 percent increase in root mass, which is described as another benefit. Bayer is selling this corn in Iowa and Illinois. “We’ll continue to expand over the next few years; as we expand the core geography, we’ll get into states like Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota.
