Hybridization of corn is moving it north.
Pioneer 39T67
Saskatchewan
Posted Sep. 18th, 2008 by Sean Pratt
Corn doesn’t warrant a mention as one of Saskatchewan’s principal field crops in Statistics Canada’s latest production estimate but it might in a few years, says an agrologist.
“The breeding has come a long ways in the last 10 years to make it a more viable crop here,” said Korvin Olfert, irrigation agrologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture.
He estimates 30,000 acres of corn were planted in the province in 2008, up from about 20,000 acres four or five years ago.
Acreage is on the rise because crop developers like Pioneer and Monsanto are coming out with varieties requiring lower heat units, making it a more suitable crop for Saskatchewan’s short growing season.
Pioneer’s 39T67 variety was the first to crack the 2,200 heat unit barrier.
“That was a big breakthrough,” said Olfert.