Southern rust and other leaf diseases hit hard this season, trimming yield and complicating harvest. Here's what you need to know to protect grain quality, prioritize fields, and make smart hybrid choice for next year.

Harvest Watch-outs

Diseased corn behaves differently in the field. Be ready for:

• Lighter test weights: Rust cuts photosynthesis short, leading to shallow, brittle kernels.
• Moisture variability: Some plants are dead-dry, others still green—expect swings.
• Weak stalks & down corn: Disease stress softens stalks, increasing lodging risk.
• Heavy, brittle residue: More leaf debris that clogs combines and spreads unevenly.

Harvest Prioritization

In a disease year, time is yield. Prioritize fields as follows:

• First: Heaviest disease pressure, weak stalks, or lodged corn.
• Next: Average fields with mixed moisture.
• Last: Healthiest fields with good standability.

It is better to harvest a little wet and pay drying costs than lose bushels to the ground.

Hybrids Selection for the Next Year

This year's disease pressure is a wake-up call. When choosing hybrids:

• Prioritize disease resistance: Look for strong ratings against Southern rust and other foliar diseases.
• Balance yield with standability: High yield means little if stalks collapse.
• Consider residue breakdown: Hybrids with better stalk integrity ease spring prep.