While not essential in most of Illinois, starter fertilizer can promote uniform plant emergence for good pollination. Scout fields regularly for potential pests. Combine and keep border rows separate for use as feed. Low-temperature drying is recommended for increased storability due to low breakage, less fines, improved aeration, and less opportunity for fungal growth. Grain kernel temperature should be kept below 140 F during the entire drying process to minimize undesirable quality losses.
Field drying is best and allows the kernel to reach full-maturity.
Keep augers full when running and consider replacing pulleys to reduce auger speed and maintain grain quality. Clean dry corn before placing it into a storage bin to improve airflow and reduce the potential for spoilage problems. Storage bins should be swept clean prior to placing grain in them to reduce insect and contamination problems. The remainder of the time, the fan should be covered to minimize moisture accumulation in the stored grain, especially during premature warming periods in the early spring. Most contractors figure the base corn price on Chicago Board of Trade prices.