The 1999 spread is the largest to date, showing more variability in the samples received since 1997, which was 7.4 points and spreads of 5.4 and 4.0 for 1996 and 1995 respectively. Generally, protein content is negatively correlated to starch content, however, the measured starch content provided in the following tables may not equal the extractable starch content available to processors. Thus, the 1999 corn crop was more variable in its major constituents than in previous years. This increased variability may reflect an increase in the types of corn grown for niche markets by Indiana farmers. However, average oil contents have essentially remained unchanged for the past five years even though four high oil corn samples were included in the 1999 survey.
Density is an indication of kernel hardness.
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. Producers need to have their own samples analyzed to get more precise values. All tests used an alpha of 0.05. The results of the analysis can be found in Tables 3 and 4.