Sweet corn yields strong in south Georgia

Drought is playing havoc with row crop production in the Southeast, especially in dryland fields, but the weather is producing a bumper crop of fresh-market corn in places. Howard Small Jr., a crop consultant in Colquitt, Ga., said producers in his area are packing over 700 crates of sweet corn per acre in some locations.

“Years ago, 300 crates was a good yield in this area, then it edged up to 400 to 450,” said Small. “But this year, I don’t know of anyone at less than 500.”

Sweet corn yields tend to be better in drought years in that part of south Georgia and northern Florida, Small added, if growers start with good stands and have ample water for irrigation.

“There’s no disease, and you don’t get the kinds of rain that wash out fertilizer,” he said. “There’s some good tasting corn out there this season.”