Why Is My Late-Planted 110 Day RM Maturing In 100 Days (Or Less) This Year?

Sep 01, 2016

By Wade Thomason

Recent observations from around the state have found corn maturing at a fast pace this year, especially corn that was planted late. The most commonly used method for assigning corn hybrid maturity ratings is based on Days to Maturity. This typically indicates the number of days it would take a corn hybrid to reach physiological maturity or “black layer”. But temperature drives corn development, not calendar days. So the “thermal time” to maturity calculated using growing degree days (GDD) is a more accurate measure. Especially when the growing season has been particularly warmer or cooler than normal.

The chart below shows the difference in cumulative GDD between 2016 and the 30 year mean temperatures beginning on JUNE 1.

We are 6, 7, and 10% above the “normal” GDD accumulation for August 31 at Suffolk, Richmond, and Orange, respectively.

This might explain why a 110 day RM corn is maturing more quickly than expected based on the “day” count. The plant has actually accumulated heat units at a faster rate this year.

If May 1 is the starting point, we are 3, 4, and 7% above the “normal” GDD accumulation for these sites. So this effect is likely to seem greater in later planted corn.

Source: vt.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.