Plant at a speed that allows the most uniform distribution of seed. Plant early to optimize oil yields. Planting early will help extend the grain filling period and reduce the likelihood of stress during pollination. However, avoid wet, cold soils which may cause emergence problems. Late season plantings of corn also are more susceptible to foliar diseases like gray leaf spot and certain insect pests like western corn rootworm beetles and second generation European corn borer.
Scout fields for potential pest problems throughout the growing season.
Since there are an increasing number of reports of western corn rootworm damage in corn following soybeans in Illinois and Indiana, crop rotation alone may no longer be an effective deterrent against this specific insect pest in the future. Weed pressure should be monitored. Early season weed control is essential to minimize stress caused by weed competition for sunlight, soil nutrients and water. Also, to minimize contamination with normal grain, clean the combine, augers, trucks, dryers, bins, legs and pits prior to beginning harvest of high oil corn. To reduce grain breakage and maintain quality, adjust combine cylinder speed and clearance during the harvest operation as necessary.