A total of 159 samples were available for composition analysis. The spread between the minimum and maximum protein content widened to 7.4 points in 1997, compared to 5.4 and 4.0 points in 1996 and 1995, respectively. Generally, protein content is negatively correlated to starch content. However, both protein and starch levels rose in 1997. Starch ranges widened to 9.6 points in 1997, compared to 6.2 and 4.9 points in 1996 and 1995, respectively.
Density is considered an indication of kernel hardness.
From 1995 and 1996 data, kernel density had remained about the same. The range of points in 1997 showed that the spread was not as wide when compared to the 1996 data. Overall, the composition data for the 1997 Indiana corn crop again reflected the variability in growing conditions experienced by farmers across the state last year. The results in Table 2 only give an indication of the composition values of corn across Indiana. Conditions during the growing season, hybrid selection, and soil fertility significantly affect intrinsic values such as protein, oil, starch, and density.