2022 brought unfavorable growing conditions across most regions of the country. As conditions failed to take a turn, concern grew over the harvest outlook. Despite this, harvest is well underway and has shown signs of positivity in many areas.

The 2022 Growing Season:

For much of the country, 2022 brought a less-than-ideal growing environment, especially in the High Plains and much of the Mid-South area. Rainfall amounts were well below average, not helping the case for dryland corn crops. Lack of rainfall coupled with higher-than-normal temperatures into the latter half of the growing season ultimately hindered crop growth and yields across the area.

Regions that experienced less drastic heat and less drought still suffered from weather-related issues toward the beginning of the growing season. Wet conditions delayed planting for many growers – forcing them to complete planting in a two- to three-week window. Growers with later planting windows caught a break as the crop caught the rains—and enjoyed steadier yields. 

On the plus side, because conditions were warmer and drier than normal, many areas experienced either less disease and insect pressure than normal or issues that arrived later in the growing season—ultimately limiting their impact on yields.

Insights from the Field:

In areas that received well below average rains, yields suffered significantly and were below average for 2022. Dryland acres in the High Plains took the worst hit, as portions of the region experienced the worst drought in history. This caused a significant number of acres to be chopped for silage. 

Fortunately, areas that experienced more moisture maintained higher yields. For dryland corn that received late rainfalls in north central Kansas, yields ranged from 140 to 200 bushels per acre, while northwest Missouri crops yielded from 220 to 290 bu/a with LG62C22. As harvest progresses, in areas with more than adequate rainfall, we continue to see hybrids hit up to 300 bushels per acre. To see more results in your area as they hit the yield monitor, head to our corn performance map.

Harvest Standouts:

With harsh conditions in 2022, LG Seeds still brought exceptionally performing hybrids. For areas that experienced either light moisture or full-on drought, workhorse hybrids like LG59C72, LG5650, or LG60C12 still packed a punch on the yield monitor despite harsh conditions. 

Regions that saw more moisture and fewer heat-filled days experienced high yields with LG Seeds hybrids such as LG66C06, LG64C20, and LG57C33. New hybrids in the LG Seeds lineup are performing above average in multiple environments and are showing up as top performers in plots across a variety of regions across the country.

Because Mother Nature is unpredictable, plan to spread your risk in 2023 by planting hybrids between maturities. Consider looking at plot results from this year and choose hybrids with variability and sound agronomics. Contact an LG Seeds agronomist for help choosing hybrids that best fit your farm.