Selecting well-adapted hybrids capable of high yield is critical to the success and profitability of your farm. Accordingly, Mississippi State goes to great lengths to evaluate, assess and analyze corn hybrid performance. Our university variety testing programs have long played an important role in generating sound, independent performance evaluations from which Mississippi growers can better identify superior genetics. Furthermore, we also conduct a Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program, which enhances the information available for Mississippi producers to make hybrid selection decisions. These Demonstration trials were grown in twenty-one on-farm or research station locations throughout the state where you can observe and evaluate hybrid performance and traits of our region’s most elite hybrids.

Hybrids selected for this program must be validated by producing superior grain yield in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials or be a relevant market standard. Hybrids are selected annually and grouped into two distinct sets based upon performance in dryland or irrigated culture, since both these cropping systems are prevalent in Mississippi and significantly affect hybrid adaptability. Seed companies are granted the discretion to enter hybrids which have demonstrated superior performance in the Mississippi Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials, or a newly released hybrid that they believe is more promising or better adapted. This establishes a very elite group of corn hybrids for evaluation.

Following is a complete summary of the corn grain yields and plant characteristics evaluated in the 2023 trials grown in irrigated and dryland locations throughout Mississippi.

2023 MSU Corn Hybrid Demo Publication