Many different hybrids are offered for sale each year to Iowa farmers. These hybrids differ in their yielding ability, resistance to lodging, adaptability and other agronomic characteristics. The purchaser of hybrid corn seed is confronted with the problem of knowing which hybrid to buy. It is impossible to look at the seed in the bag and determine the productiveness of a particular combination. The best test of its value is to plant it alongside other hybrids and check its actual performance in the field.

The purpose of the Iowa Corn Yield Test is to provide impartial comparable performance records on a relatively large number of hybrid combinations. This bulletin presents information about each hybrid tested for yield, stand, moisture, root and stalk lodging, ear height and dropped ears. The relative agronomic value of the hybrids tested is shown by a performance score that is based on yield, dry matter content of grain, lodging resistance and ears on stalk. The information presented should be of value to both the purchaser and the producer of hybrid corn seed, since it gives a reliable estimate of the relative performance of various hybrids when grown in different areas of Iowa.