2015 Corn Hybrid Performance Test Online

 

The 2015 University of Kentucky Corn Hybrid Performance Trials are now online. Seed companies submitted 151 hybrids to be tested. The hybrids were divided into Early, Medium, Late, and White groupings.

 

 

 

 

The range from best to worst hybrid was 35.6 bushels per acre for the Early hybrids. The range for the Medium hybrids was even greater at 45.4 bushels per acre. The range in yields was 33.3 bushels per acre for the Late hybrids. Based solely on yield performance and the current market price for corn, those ranges equate to about $125 to $175 per acre difference between the highest and lowest yielding hybrid. 

 

The 2015 corn hybrid test was conducted at 7 locations across Kentucky. Two of those sites were irrigated and the remaining 5 were non-irrigated. Hybrid performance across multiple locations and environments is the best indicator for selecting hybrids. Once performance has been determined, then other categories, such as herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, or disease tolerance can be considered. 

 

Selecting the right hybrids can have a major impact on the bottom line. 

 

2015 UK Corn Hybrid Performance Trial: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/PR/PR692/PR692.pdf

UK Corn Hybrid Trial Website: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/cornvarietytest/

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.