It's sill a good idea to have a safety margin if year round storage is a goal. Damage from hail can be severe, resulting in loss of leaf area, and stalk and ear bruising. However, loss charts based on leaf removal studies show that the V12 stage yield losses will be minimal. You should expect some delay in the development of the plant and possibly some abnormal growth problems. You should also be aware that the potential for stalk rot is increased with hail damage, so early harvest might be advisable.
Tillers are basal branches of the main stalk.
They retain a connection with the main stalk throughout their development. Studies have shown that the tillers nourish and contribute to grain production on the main stalk, in addition to producing grain themselves. Studies have also shown that there may be movement of plant food material from tiller to main stalk or from main stalk to tiller depending upon the needs of the plant. Development of tillers is favored by low plant populations, high soil fertility, weather conditions favoring rapid plant growth, and certain genetic lines. Farmers have often said that planting two numbers in the same pass may improve yield stability.