Our breeders are getting yields well into the two hundreds of bushels. Average yields are about 150 bushels. Cassman says his research group is looking at the pieces to find out what adds to high production and what takes bushels out of a field. We don't understand how high it is or how you get there. Specht argues that intensive management done correctly has benefits for the environment.
Sunlight is free, and there is no negative consequence in taking carbon dioxide out of our air.
Intensive corn production especially puts a lot of stover back into the soil. And over time the stover builds organic matter in the soil. Organic matter holds nutrients in place, decreasing leaching, Specht says. The soft-spoken farmer from Manchester, Iowa, has entered the National Corn Yield Contest for the past four years. In a remarkable run, he has won four times.