In a year when tremendous variability was observed within fields
as well as among areas of the state, information from replicated
trials like the University of Minnesota trials is particularly
valuable. Since we can't predict next year's growing conditions,
it's important to select hybrids that perform well over multiple
locations within a region. Hybrids that consistently perform
well over multiple environment, including different soil and
weather conditions, have greater potential to perform well the
next year, compared to hybrids with less consistence
performance. Below are University of Minnesota Extension grain
and silage hybrid selection recommendations based on the results
from the 2012 University of Minnesota corn grain and silage
trials. Considerations for grain hybrid selection: Hybrid
selection begins with maturity. Early Growing Degree Day (GDD)
accumulation, combined with an early planting season overall,
caused corn to mature early in 2012. In planning for next year,
identify an acceptable matur