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Articles by Erick Larson
2027 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids
Mississippi State University annually conducts Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials which are an extremely valuable resource for you to help select corn hybrids for your farm – MAFES Corn Hybrid Trials. These hybrid trials are typically grown in eight or more locations representing different growing regions, cropping systems and soil types in our state.
2026 Yield Results from the Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program
Selecting well-adapted and superior corn hybrids is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, third-party performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics.
2026 MSU Short List of Suggested Wheat Varieties
Mississippi State University annually conducts Variety Trials of public and private wheat and oat varieties to evaluate grain yield: MAFES Wheat and Oat Variety Trials. These variety trials are grown at seven locations in cropping regions geographically representing Mississippi. These trials may be grown on Experiment Stations or grower cooperator’s farms.
Cover Crop Species Selection
Many plant species can serve as cover crops grown during the off-season from the life cycle of primary crops. In the Midsouth region of the United States, primary crops grow during the summer, so cover crops are cool season species planted in the fall and grown through the winter and early spring. These cool season species can be classified into cereal grains, cool season legumes and brassicas or other non-legume broadleaves.
Burning Stalks – What does it Really Cost?
Despite the interest about improving soil health, cover crops, soil carbon and other topics, it may be easy to overlook the considerable effect that crop residue management has on soils and future productivity. Plant residue generated in crop production systems can produce substantial benefits. This article discusses those benefits and how burning crop residue affects soil dynamics.
Tips to Prepare for a Successful Corn Harvest
Corn harvest should continue to ramp up as grain dries down to lower moisture content. Thus far we have generally had good weather for grain drydown and few storms or wind which could potentially complicate harvest. Understanding how weather and other factors affect grain drying, potential harvest losses, moisture dockage and potential aflatoxin issues can greatly help improve your harvest efficiency and success.
How to Estimate Corn Yield Prior to Harvest
There is a method you can estimate corn yield by thoroughly sampling random ears in a field. It will take some effort, knowledge and luck to represent a field, but it can help satisfy your desire regarding the upcoming harvest. The issue with any estimate is kernel weight cannot be measured prior to physiological maturity, because grain fill is still occurring. Accordingly this important yield component is not assessed. Thus, this procedure is often more of a learning exercise than anything else.
MS Ag Industry Council – 2026 MAIC Row Crop Update
Please make plans to attend the Row Crop Update at the Mississippi Agricultural Industry Council Annual Convention. The conference is hosted at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. This event is a great opportunity for professional improvement and interaction with colleagues. Please note that this educational activity will be hosted Tuesday, rather than Wednesday, as in the past. It will be held Tuesday, July 21 at the Perdido Beach Resort beginning at 8:00 am and will conclude by noon.
When can we Terminate Irrigation of Corn?
It is hard to believe that we are beginning to make irrigation termination decisions in June, but here we are. This year’s corn crop is exceptionally early due to high heat unit accumulation this spring and March planting. Abundant rainfall much of the last month has replenished soil moisture and has us in good shape to finish out the corn crop. As our corn nears and progresses past dent stage, we can finally begin developing reasonable expectations for deciding when to terminate irrigation.
Identifying Corn Reproductive Stages and Management Implications
Corn reproductive stages may comprise nearly 60 days for full-season hybrids grown in Mississippi at normal planting dates depending upon seasonal temperatures. Corn maturation is closely correlated to temperatures and heat unit accumulation, so references to days between development stages may vary slightly depending on seasonal temperatures and planting date.
Corn Irrigation Strategies for 2026
Abundant recent rainfall has suspended irrigation needs relative to normal, considering corn is now tasseling across much of the state. Accordingly, corn water demand will be high when soil moisture dries enough for us to make decisions to commence irrigation. This article will address how various factors affect corn irrigation management.
Optimizing your Tassel Shot and Corn Nitrogen Management
Mississippi’s corn crop is already tasseling or quickly approaching, which is the beginning of the important reproductive stages. This year’s weather has been exceptionally dry and completely opposite of last year until recently, so how might this affect corn nitrogen management? Additionally, a large storm system has recently brought plentiful rainfall to most of the region. Therefore, how do weather and corn growth affect management practices you intend to complete?
Optimizing Corn Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer in 2026
Nitrogen efficiency is always a hot topic for corn growers because it directly affects profitability and is influenced by many factors. Of course, corn is a crop known to be very responsive to nitrogen fertilizer and needs large amounts to optimize productivity. However, nitrogen is also rather unstable, compared to other nutrients and prone to considerable loss, especially in our high rainfall southern climate. However, dry weather changes nitrogen concerns considerably.
How to Determine Corn Vegetative Growth Stages
V3 Growth Stage. Three leaves have fully emerged and have visible leaf collars. The first leaf is about 1.5 to 1.75 inches long and rounded on the tip. Each successive leaf is pointed and longer. V3 corn is usually about 5 to 7 inches tall. Corn vegetative growth stages are designated by a V followed by a number representing fully emerged leaves. Only those leaves which have a leaf collar visible and are fully developed count as an appropriate growth stage.
Video – How to Identify Corn Vegetative Growth Stages
Vegetative growth stages of corn or sorghum are determined by counting the number of fully emerged leaves with leaf collars present. Only those leaves which have a leaf collar visible at the base of the leaf where it connects with the stem are fully developed and count as an appropriate growth stage. Corn vegetative growth stages are designated by a V with a number following representing fully developed, emerged leaves.
Cover Crop Termination and Preparation for Planting
Cover cropping is becoming a popular agricultural topic, primarily driven by the goal of improving soil health and water quality, but the concept has been around for years. Cover crops produce vegetation which can help protect the soil from erosion, improve soil organic matter and provide other benefits during the winter when traditional summer crops are not alive.
2025 MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results
Selecting well-adapted hybrids capable of high yield is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, independent performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics.
Row Crop Short Course Registration Reminder
This is the last call to pre-register for the 2025 MSU Row Short Course free of charge. The 2025 MSU Row Crop Short Course will be Monday, December 8th through Wednesday, December 10th at the Mill Conference Center in Starkville, MS. Registration after November 24th, including at the door, will be $40. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Wheat acreage across the Midsouth region has been historically low for several years, but there appears to be some renewed interest as we approach planting season. Hopefully, favorable weather will promote harvest progress, field preparation and planting conditions, which may encourage wheat production this fall. Regardless, wheat is a relatively consistent crop that does offer some benefits and diversity from being a “winter” crop.
2026 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids
Mississippi State University annually conducts Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials which are an extremely valuable resource for you to help select corn hybrids for your farm – MAFES Corn Hybrid Trials. These hybrid trials are typically grown in eight or more locations representing different growing regions, cropping systems and soil types in our state.
2025 Yield Results from the MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program
Selecting well-adapted and superior corn hybrids is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, third-party performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics.
Cover Crop Planting Methods and Seeding Rates
Cover crops can be seeded in agricultural fields using various methods used to plant small grains or forages. These seeding methods commonly range from using a grain drill, to broadcasting. Utilizing a drill offers more control of seeding rate, distribution, and placement, including the ability to cover seed with soil and improve contact with moisture. However, not everyone has a drill, and there are some complications which may limit results of drilling cover crop seed.
2025 MSU Short List of Suggested Wheat Varieties
Mississippi State University annually conducts Variety Trials of public and private wheat and oat varieties to evaluate grain yield: MAFES Wheat and Oat Variety Trials. These variety trials are grown at seven locations in cropping regions geographically representing Mississippi. These trials may be grown on Experiment Stations or grower cooperator’s farms.
Cover Crop Species Selection
Many plant species can serve as cover crops grown during the off-season from the life cycle of primary crops. In the Midsouth region of the United States where primary crops grow during the summer, this means cover crops are cool season species planted in the fall and grow through the winter and early spring. These cool season species can be classified into cereal grains, cool season legumes and brassicas or other non-legume broadleaves.
Maximize efficiency and grain quality
Corn harvest should ramp up soon as grain matures and dries down to an agreeable moisture for harvest. So far, the region has generally had good weather for grain drydown, and few storms or wind that could potentially complicate harvest. Understanding how weather and other factors affect grain drying, potential harvest losses, moisture dockage and aflatoxin issues can help improve your harvest efficiency and success.
How to Estimate Corn Yield Prior to Harvest
There is a method you can estimate corn yield by thoroughly sampling random ears in a field. It will take some effort, knowledge and luck to represent a field, but it can satisfy your desire regarding the upcoming harvest. The issue with any estimate is kernel weight cannot be measured prior to physiological maturity, because grain fill is still occurring. Thus, this procedure is often more of a learning exercise than anything else.
Tips to Prepare for a Successful Corn Harvest
Corn harvest should ramp up soon as grain matures and dries down to an agreeable moisture for harvest. Thus far we have generally had good weather for grain drydown and few storms or wind which could potentially complicate harvest. Understanding how weather and other factors affect grain drying, potential harvest losses, moisture dockage and potential aflatoxin issues can greatly help improve your harvest efficiency and success.
Corn reproductive stages may comprise nearly 60 days for full-season hybrids grown in Mississippi at normal planting dates depending upon seasonal temperatures. Corn maturation is closely correlated to temperatures and heat unit accumulation, so references to days between development stages may vary slightly depending on seasonal temperatures and planting date.
Why did the Kernels near the Ear Tip not Fill?
Incomplete kernel set is something hard to ignore when you peel back husks to evaluate your corn crop. Accordingly, we often wonder why those kernels near the ear tip didn’t fill out. Invariably, the next thought that comes to mind is “this crop didn’t have any stress.” However, the fact is if everything was favorable, then plants wouldn’t abort those kernels near the ear tip.
Will we need to Irrigate our Corn this Year?
Abundant rainfall this year has kept irrigation needs largely in check and many have asked whether any irrigation will be necessary for corn. As our corn nears and progresses past dent stage, we can finally begin developing reasonable expectations. Of course, the same principles are pertinent for deciding when to terminate irrigation.
Guest commentary: The state of aging in Sonoma Valley
Finding ways to empower all of our seniors to thrive JOSHUA RYMER AND ERICK LARSON 4 minute read On Oct. 1 2024, Sonoma County released its Master Plan for Aging. The plan includes a comprehensive set of strategies to support the large, and rapidly growing number of older adults across the county. However, this plan is not the “answer” to the challenges ahead. Rather, it’s a wake-up call for Sonoma Valley to get prepared. Why?
2022 Yield Summaries from the MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program
Selecting well-adapted and superior corn hybrids is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, third-party performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics.
How to Plant and Grow Wheat for High Yields
Wheat acreage across the Midsouth region has been historically low for several years, but there appears to be some renewed interest as we arrive at planting time this season. Thankfully, sunny weather is promoting harvest progress, tillage, and field preparation, which may encourage wheat planting this fall. Regardless, wheat is a relatively consistent crop that does offer some benefits and diversity from being a “winter” crop.
When to terminate irrigation in corn
Corn maturation may vary depending on planting date, but our earlier plantings are now denting and actively filling kernel size and weight. Assuming the crop is already made, particularly when heat or drought stress is prevalent, can quickly erode profitability by limiting kernel development. In fact, nearly 50% of kernel weight is filled after dent. Alternatively, excessive irrigation as the crop reaches maturity wastes time, money and labor from your farm.
Cut-off date for planting corn
Persistent rains have limited corn planting progress across much of Mississippi once again this spring. It is well known that corn is normally more productive when planted early, primarily because its’ sensitive reproductive development will occur earlier in the summer when environmental conditions are normally more favorable. However, as with most cropping decisions, planting date is not the only variable affecting profitability.
Identifying Wheat Growth Stages using the Feekes Scale
The Feekes scale is likely the most commonly used system to describe wheat and other small grain’s growth and development stages. Identification and understanding of plant development is important so that you may appropriately time practices in order to optimize crop response.
2022 Grain Sorghum Hybrid Suggestions
Grain Sorghum is a warm-season grass crop that is very drought and heat tolerant, compared to many other major crops, making it well-adapted to hot, dry climates. Grain sorghum is typically about 30% less productive than corn in productive environments. Therefore, grain sorghum is generally best suited to be grown in the Midsouth in dryland fields, or where productivity is marginal. Grain sorghum produces many benefits when grown in a crop rotation system with soybeans or cotton.
AMS names Kevin Williams regional FBO manager
NASHVILLE, TN - Airport Management Solutions, LLC, recently promoted Kevin Williams to the position of regional FBO manager. Williams had previously been the quality control supervisor and training manager for AMS at the FBO in Tupelo, Mississippi. In his new role with the company, Williams will be responsible for overseeing operations at AMS FBOs in Tupelo, Mississippi, Greenville, Mississippi, and a new location in Ohio to begin in April.
2022 Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Wheat
Our moist climate can challenge our ability to provide sufficient nitrogen fertility for growing productive wheat. Extremely high fertilizer prices only amplify our need and desire to manage this valuable input as efficiently as possible. Therefore, using best management practices are likely more important for wheat than any other crop, including corn. This is because wheat is grown during the wettest months of the year in our rainy, warm climate, which is normally very conducive to nitrogen loss.
2021 MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results
Selecting well-adapted hybrids capable of high yield is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, independent performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics.
2022 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids
Mississippi State University annually conducts Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials which are an extremely valuable resource for you to help select corn hybrids for your farm – MAFES Corn Hybrid Trials. These hybrid trials are typically grown in eight or more locations representing different growing regions, cropping systems and soil types in our state.
2021 MSU Short List of Suggested Wheat Varieties
Mississippi State University annually conducts Variety Trials of public and private wheat and oat varieties: MAFES Wheat and Oat Variety Trials. These variety trials were grown at seven locations in cropping regions representing all geographic areas of the state. These trials may be grown on Experiment Stations or grower cooperator’s farms. Variety entry is open for all public or private parties and dependent upon voluntary entry by the respective seed company or owner for performance evaluation.
Burning Stalks - What does it Really Cost?
Despite all the talk about improving soil health, soil carbon, cover crops and other hot topics, it may be easy to overlook the considerable impact that crop residue management has on soils and future productivity. Following harvest, we face a unique situation because corn produces far more biomass than other row crops, as well as cover crops. Historically, many perceive this corn residue as “trash” or a problem which should be removed by fire or heavily manipulated by tillage.
When is it safe to apply a harvest aid to sorghum?
Many growers in the Midsouth apply a herbicide shortly prior to sorghum harvest to facilitate combine efficiency. Although it is possible to harvest sorghum without using a harvest aid, understanding the benefits of usage, along with adverse consequences, will help you implement a practical plan that will enhance your sorghum harvest. A “harvest aid” product must not be applied prematurely or you will sacrifice considerable grain yield.
Why did the Kernels near the Ear Tip not Fill?
Incomplete kernel set is something hard to ignore when you peel back husks to evaluate your corn crop. Often times we wonder why those kernels near the ear tip didn’t fill out. Invariably, the next thought that comes to mind is “this crop didn’t have any stress.” However, the fact is if everything was favorable, then plants wouldn’t abort those kernels near the ear tip.
Identifying Corn Reproductive Stages and Management Implications
Corn reproductive stages may comprise nearly 60 days for full-season hybrids grown in Mississippi at normal planting dates depending upon seasonal temperatures. Corn maturation is closely correlated to temperatures and heat unit accumulation, so references to days between development stages may vary slightly depending on seasonal temperatures and planting date.
Improving Corn Yields by Better Timing your First Irrigation
The Midsouth has finally started transitioning into summer, prompting decisions of when to start irrigating corn. This dramatic environmental shift is challenging to our corn crop because it is also making huge physiological strides as well. However, inadequate soil moisture is not nearly as limiting as usually perceived – considering we normally have abundant moisture virtually all spring.
How to Enhance Your Strategy Regarding Tassel Applications
Mississippi’s corn crop is spread out across a considerable range of planting dates, with some early fields starting to tassel, and much will be soon. We know that corn is most sensitive to environmental stress at tasseling and early reproductive stages. Accordingly, we often focus management to improve plant health during this period. However, crop responsiveness to specific timing depends strongly upon crop health and the specific management practice employed.
Optimizing Corn Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer
Mississippi’s warm, wet climate can pose considerable issues with nitrogen fertilization for corn, which is quite responsive and demands high amounts for optimal productivity. The South’s warm, high rainfall climate greatly increases potential nitrogen loss through volatilization, denitrification and leaching, compared to drier and colder climates.
Grain Sorghum Planting Recommendations for 2021
Grain sorghum is a crop receiving renewed interest from many Mississippi growers primarily due to strong demand and market prices in 2021. This article discusses key planting and management practices needed to successfully grow a productive sorghum crop and get it off to a good start this spring. Grain sorghum is a warm-season grass crop that is very drought and heat tolerant compared with other major crops, making it well-adapted to hot, dry climates.
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As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Erick
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