Michigan Corn Produces Record Yields

After a dubious start to the 2011 corn season, where cold weather and wet fields delayed the Michigan corn planting season, it ended strongly, with corn rising to a record yield of 153 bushels and acre, according to the Michigan Field Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Statistics Service.

Jay Johnson, director of the USDA NASS Michigan Field Office, said, "The pollination period had ideal conditions, the weather cooperated, and we escaped what could could have disastrous crop. We had ideal conditions throughout the season in most of the state."

A significant number of Michigan farmers weren't able to complete planting until the first week of June, a full month later than usual.

Johnson said the reason for the higher yields is attributable to breakthroughs in seed quality as well as technological improvements.