In most years, dropped ears do not significantly affect yields. In 1995, high winds just before harvest caused significant numbers of dropped ears in several tests. Relative moisture at harvest usually is a better maturity indicator, unless harvest is delayed. Hybrids are listed first from lowest to highest grain moisture and then from fewest to most days to silking within each moisture level. This emphasizes the maturity differences of the hybrids in addition to yield performance.
Maturity can be critical when considering a corn hybrid for a specific cropping system.
Take the maximum temperature plus the minimum temperature for each day, divide by 2, and then subtract a base temperature of 50 each day. Any temperature below 50F was considered to be 50, and any temperature over 86F was called 86. Growth unit accumulations for the current year are compared with the long-term average or 'normal' for each test. Small differences in yield or other characteristics should not be overemphasized. Be sure to use the correct L.S.D. for the comparison of interest.