Tag: Corn

As many of you know, temperatures across the state did drop below freezing last night (3/16) and will again tonight (3/17). I have not heard any reports of temperatures dropping to 28 F or below yet, but Northern SC could very well have seen those temps. If you think your area experienced sub-freezing temperatures and […]

Plant 2026 is officially underway. Some farmers have already begun planting corn, while others are waiting until later dates to hedge against cold or frost. This is very much a risk/reward scenario, where we typically see higher yields from early planting, though this corn is more vulnerable to a late freeze or frost. No year […]

In February of 2026, Clemson Extension will host several county-level production meetings focusing on corn and soybeans around South Carolina. Below is a list of days and locations of the meetings. Please add the local meeting to your calendar and we hope to see you in February! These production meetings are being sponsored by the […]

In February of 2026, we plan to host several county-level production meetings focusing on corn and soybeans around South Carolina. Our list is still being modified, but below is a list of days and locations of the meetings that have been scheduled so far. A follow-up announcement for each meeting with further details will be […]

Each year we conduct multiple irrigated and non-irrigated corn hybrid trials across South Carolina to evaluate hybrid performance, working with seed companies to demonstrate hybrid performance of germplasm that is being sold commercially. In this non-bias, cross-company trial, you will find data that can help make seed ordering decisions for 2026. I encourage farmers to […]

With corn harvest now in full swing across the state, we have been getting a few calls regarding grain moisture and putting grain in the bin at a safe moisture level. Generally, we like to see corn harvested at higher moisture contents to reduce in-field losses and combine losses (18-20%) compared to dry corn (15.5% […]

Corn harvest is beginning in the coastal plain as of this week. A reminder that following harvest is a great time to pull fall nematode samples to use in combination with our fall threshold values to know how to manage the crop in 2026. We are providing nematode samples for free courtesy of the SC […]

Due to the favorable weather conditions we had in March of this year, the majority of our corn crop was planted “earlier” than in the past several years. Along with the earlier planting dates, favorable growing conditions and heat, some fields are approaching physiological maturity and beginning dry down. When corn reaches the R6 reproductive […]

With erratic rainfall this summer, our soybean planting window has been extended into July in places across the state, especially if following small grain. Over the last three years, Clemson has conducted several research trials evaluating ultra-late planted soybeans, double-cropped behind corn. I have compiled a table below that highlights some of the research findings […]

Below is a figure that describes the various corn growth stages during reproductive growth (from silking to black layer). The estimated number of days between growth stages will help give corn producers an idea of the progression of the crop for management decisions, specifically irrigation termination. 🌽 Reproductive (R) Stages Additional information on growth staging […]

As we move into July, the earliest corn will begin to reach maturity within 4-6 weeks. For irrigated corn, the question of when to quit irrigating always comes to mind. We want to maximize yield and water use efficiency, thus not irrigating any more than we have to in order to finish out the crop. […]

With temperatures predicted to be 100°F and heat index over 100°F this week, the question of “what is this heat going to do to my corn?” is always on people’s minds. When temperatures are consistently above 87F during corn growth stages VT (Tassel) through Maturity (R6), significant negative impacts on corn yield and development can […]

From Dr. John Mueller, Extension Nematologist/Plant Pathologist: Things are picking up speed in the world of corn foliar diseases. Dr. Kemerait who is my counterpart in Georgia is now reporting Southern rust on corn in Wayne County Georgia.  Wayne County is in Southeast Georgia.  That is 150 miles from the Edisto REC.  With current rain […]

From Dr. John Mueller: Southern rust has been found in two counties, Tift and Seminole, in southwest Georgia. The normal pattern is for southern rust to “blow up” across GA to SC. Simply put, the current weather pattern is perfect for this to happen.  Things could happen quickly! If your corn is at or past tasseling, […]

From Dr. John Mueller (Extension Nematologist and Pathologist) I am not about to comment on what type of weather everyone has endured over the last month other than to say some of you are still in a mild drought and those of us at Edisto REC got 12 inches of rain in May and 5 […]

As we move into the first week of June, corn that was planted “early” (March) is likely now tasseling or will be soon. This is a reminder that water demand in corn is at its peak, using 2.1 inches per week. The forecast is favorable for rain across the state over the next two weeks, […]

As we near the end of May, our earliest planted corn in the state is approaching tassel (VT) and reproductive growth, and our latest planted corn is near the V5 growth stage. Top/Side-dress nitrogen applications are now on most producers’ minds and actively going out where we can apply in between rain events. A few […]

Save the date for the 2025 Corn and Soybean Field Day held at the Clemson Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville SC. More information will be available soon!

Much of South Carolina is now receiving some timely rainfall for corn. A lot of our corn was planted on time and in some cases earlier than the last few years due to good field conditions and soil moisture. The corn crop in SC is now considered planted, and most seems off to a good […]

The South Carolina Corn and Soybean Growers Meeting will be held on December 17th, 2024 at the Santee Conference Center. Come hear research updates from the Corn and Soybean Boards, policy updates from American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association and visit with our many sponsors in the trade show! Pesticide and CCA credits […]

The results from the 2024 County Corn Hybrid Trials are now available. In 2024, we evaluated 15 different hybrids across eight locations across the state in both irrigated (5 locations) and non-irrigated (3 locations) cropping systems, the results from eight of those locations are included in the attached report. The results of these trials are […]

As we move into the 4th of July weekend, a quick update on where we stand. Scattered showers and storms provided some rainfall over the last week which has helped our dryland situation in cotton, soybean, and peanut. Most of the dryland corn crop tasseled (pollinated) and began reproductive growth during the pop up drought […]

Surviving on tenths of rain is all we are doing right now across SC and the SE USA. High pressure in the North continues to drive moisture to the Gulf and away from the SE at a very water critical time for corn especially. Where irrigation is available, growers need to continue to run pivots […]

As of this week approximately 60% of our corn crop is silking. Tassel/R1 (Silk) is the most water sensitive growth stage of corn, if irrigation is available we need to ensure that we are irrigating corn 2 inches per week minus what is captured through rainfall.  In terms of our non-irrigated acreage, yield will suffer […]

I am sure by now everyone has heard that they have found Southern rust on corn and Soybean rust on kudzu in southwest Georgia. There has been a strong weather pattern of winds and rain blowing from the southwest towards us so it is possible diseases of all types could come in on a storm.  […]

Knowing the correct growth stage on corn and soybean is critical to proper input management. Two Land Grant Press articles were written to serve as a visual guide on how to properly ID both corn and soybean growth stages throughout their lifecycle. The following links will direct you to these Land Grant Publications: Visual Guide […]

The 2024 Corn and Soybean Field Day will be held at Edisto REC in Blackville, SC on Thursday July 25th. The program will start at approximately 8:30 and conclude with a provided lunch on-site. Field Day Flyer A detailed agenda will be available around the first of July.  If you have any questions please contact […]

Corn across SC is at various growth stages and experiencing a wide range of environmental conditions. Much of the state had abundant rainfall most of March, prohibiting field work and fertilizer applications to be made, delaying planting. In other areas, corn was able to get planted early and emerged looking great. As we shifted into […]

The results from the 2023 County Corn Hybrid Trials are now available. In 2023, we evaluated 12 different hybrids across eight locations across the state in both irrigated (4 locations) and non-irrigated (4 locations) cropping systems, the results from eight of those locations are included in the attached report. The results of these trials are […]

On behalf of Clemson Extension and the South Carolina Soybean Board, we hope you make plans to join us in Santee onThursday, December 14th for the 2023 South Carolina Corn and Soybean Growers Meeting! Our keynote presentation will be “Corn and Soybean Drying and Storage: Current Technology and Management” with Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Extension Engineer and Professor at North Dakota State University. We’re also excited to welcome several other special guests, including: Steve Censky, […]

Ph.D. Student Bennett Harrelson does a podcast with NC State University on double crop corn and soybean systems in South Carolina. His research is focusing on best management practices for producers who wish to plant soybean behind corn. Topics include planting dates, maturity groups, hybrid selection, nematode management, row spacing, at-plant nitrogen, and seeding rates. […]

Across the state, the earliest planted corn I have looked at is looking very good as we begin to see tassels emerge and pollen shed. In many cases, a lot of our earliest planted corn this year has been under irrigation which sets us up to produce a very good crop. However, we are not […]

As of May 8th, USDA has South Carolina as 96% planted on corn and is on a normal track for progress.  Corn planting this year has been quite a process, with a majority of the crop going in the ground pre-April 1st and then was on pause for some time following Easter due to cold […]

Soil moisture remains good across the state. Recent rainfall events have made planting and field operations a challenge in certain areas. Corn planted infront of terrential rainfall events (>3 inches) in areas of the state may warrant replanting due to soil crusting and saturated soil conditions.  Corn growth and development is driven by heat unit […]

The warm weather and relatively dry field conditions over the last week have allowed for a significant portion of the corn crop to be planted across the state; the USDA should release the first crop progress report next week. With the rainfall we have received across the region this weekend through tomorrow (3/28), soil moisture […]

As temperatures begin to warm and soils dry out, many planters will soon be in the field planting field corn around the state. As we look toward the 10-day forcast low temperatures remain the 30’s through the weekend of March 20th and chances of rain increase. A few things to remember as we proceed with planting […]

The results from the 2022 County Corn Hybrid Trials are now available. In 2022, we evaluated 13 different hybrids across eight locations across the state in both irrigated (4 locations) and non-irrigated (4 locations) cropping systems, the results from eight of those locations are included in the attached report. The results of these trials are […]

CORN: Foliar diseases: The only disease that spreads during this type of weather is Southern rust. But we are not seeing this yet in South Carolina. It is present in South Georgia. I am attaching a copy of the “Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases – January 2022” table put out by the “Corn […]

I am sure that many of you get various forms of information from other states. Dr. Kemerait in Georgia is very good about sending out updates several times a week, and I am sure there are other specialists who do the same. I thought I would try to send out what we are seeing primarily […]

This spring has been challenging, from increased input costs to low supply and shortages. The weather has been equally challenging across South Carolina so far in 2022. The majority of the corn crop was planted a week to 14 days later than last year due to cool temperatures, soils, and early season rains. We are […]

The results from the 2021 County Corn Hybrid Trials are now available. In 2021, we evaluated 12 different hybrids across eight locations across the state in both irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems, the results from six of those locations are included in the attached report. The results of these trials are to be used along […]

In response to the canceled 2021 Fall Field Day at Edisto REC, Clemson University Extension Specialists and Researchers compiled a report highlighting research that is ongoing at Edisto REC. A list of contents to the report is displayed below and a copy of the 2021 EREC Field Day Report is available at the following link: […]

The South Carolina Corn and Soybean Growers Meeting will resume in 2021. This year’s meeting will consist of an in-person event at the Santee Conference Center in Santee, SC on Wednesday, December 8th, 2021. An updated announcement and agenda will be released in the coming weeks as speakers and schedules are confirmed. If you have […]

Corn harvest in South Carolina typically begins in August. The weeds remaining after harvest can contribute to future infestations. This is because we have several months of good growing conditions for weeds after harvest. For example, Palmer amaranth, sicklepod, and annual morningglory can continue to grow and produce seed. Palmer amaranth is capable of producing […]

Due to safety concerns Clemson University has decided to delay the 2021 EREC Field Day by 2 weeks. The new target date is Thursday, September 16th. If developments between now and then further affect the situation or result in a cancellation, this information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

On August 20th from 10:00am-Noon a drop-in will be held at the dryland corn hybrid strip trial located in the field at the intersection of Mt. Olive Rd and Hwy 176.  This directly across Hwy 176 in front of Mt Olive Ame Church (4630 Old State Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059).  Dr. Michael Plumblee, Extension […]

Clemson University has scheduled an in-person field day at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, SC for September 2nd, 2021. Registration will be from 8-9AM. The morning program will consist of concurrent peanut and horticultural crop programs followed by lunch. After lunch an agronomic crops (cotton, corn, soybean) session will begin and conclude at 4PM. Please […]

Over the last few years, interest in “yield improving” row crop planter modifications, add-ons, and technologies have been topics of discussion for growers. While there is benefit from various technologies in specific row crops, the jury is still out on every technology and new product contributing to yield (and profit) in every crop grown in […]

As we continue to progress through the growing season, many growers are beginning to service and set up equipment for corn harvest. This is an excellent time to check yield monitor components if you wish to collect and record yield data. The July 19th crop progress report for South Carolina estimates that 26% of the […]

In the last two weeks, most of us have received large amounts of rainfall. Daily rainfall of over 2 inches was observed in many areas and several places got 5+ inches of rain in those two weeks. In general, the rainfall was good for crops. However, it also increased our odds of getting foliar diseases […]

Corn Everyone had to watch as Elsa passed over South Carolina over the last few days. Fortunately, for the most part if you were off the coast rainfall and winds stayed in the manageable levels.  However, it very well may have blown spores into our state for several diseases including Southern rust on corn, soybean […]

CORN Fungicides As we close in on the 4th of July, we need to consider our possible fungicide applications on corn and soybean. Weather is one of the big drivers for foliar diseases in both of these crops.  The worst-case scenario is not a mid-afternoon thunderstorm which delivers 1+ inches of rain but then the […]

The majority of our corn crop is at VT or R1 and this is the appropriate time to start making the decision whether or not to spray a fungicide. Observations from South Carolina corn fields: At the Edisto REC Dr. Plumblee and I have walked several fields and the corn is very clean when it […]

With extensive rains occurring across much of South Carolina in the last week our corn crop is getting back on track and more than half of it is in the process of tasseling.  This is the growth stage where most growers will be deciding whether to spray a fungicide for foliar diseases.  Here are a […]

Virtual Meetings were held in February 2021 to provide an update on corn and soybean production in South Carolina. By participating in this program, producers were updated on new information for the 2021 growing season. At the conclusion of the panel update, time was available for any questions related to corn or soybean production. The […]

As many of you know, temperatures across the state did drop below freezing last Thursday and Friday nights. I have heard some reports of temperatures dropping to 28 F or below in specific areas that had corn planted. Since we have had 5-7 days since the freezing weather, we should now be able to assess corn stands and mortality […]

As a follow-up to my previous post on Sunday (3/28) I wanted to discuss what we can expect from the cold temperatures tonight and tomorrow regarding recently planted and young corn. The National Weather Service is now projecting the low for Blackville, SC to be 34 F, 32 F & 36 F over the next […]

I hope everyone’s 2021 planting season or fieldwork season has started off smooth. I wanted to reach out with a few things to consider this week with regards to planting corn. If you have noticed the 7-day forecast for this week (3/28 – 4/4), our Easter cold snap is right on time. Nighttime temperatures will […]