MSU Extension Service Corn Verification Program.

Corn is an integral component of Mississippi’s agricultural production systems. During the last few years, corn has become the second most popular Mississippi row crop based upon planted acreage and value. Although corn productivity has increased more than any other Mississippi row crop during the past twenty years, we believe there is tremendous potential to improve our production systems. Thus, the Mississippi State University Extension Service has established a Corn Verification Program supported by the Mississippi Corn Promotion Board. Our foremost objective is increasing profitability of Mississippi’s corn production systems, not just trying any and all methods, some of which may have little practical merit and ultimately be unprofitable. We seek to accomplish these goals through the gracious cooperation of producers who grant us the opportunity to provide guidance and implement improved practices in one field on their farm. We develop a management plan uniquely tailored for each field and cooperator. Verification fields are scouted on a weekly basis to monitor crop response, potential limitations and ensure timely and prudent implementation of in-season practices. This process allows us to demonstrate value of new or improved management practices that are currently not being utilized. Of course, an on-farm verification program also is a tremendous method to demonstrate value associated with adoption of improved strategies and new technology. For example, our efforts have helped increase corn yield to record levels, while reducing irrigation water usage over 40%. We believe the cumulative adoption of improved practices addressing multiple issues identified through this program offer tremendous possibility to improve production systems and reduce risks which influence profitability and sustainability of growing corn in Mississippi.