DEWITT, Mich. — Michigan corn farmers could see record yields this year according to findings by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM). CMPM recently wrapped up its 2017 Between the Rows Tour, during which staff conducted more than 375 yield checks in 32 counties across Michigan. The data showed a statewide yield average of 177.5 bushels per acre.
“This tour provides the most comprehensive yield data available on Michigan’s corn crop,” said Tom Durand,president of CMPM. “Along with the accompanying meetings, we’re able to give our farmers valuable data as they go into harvest that can assist as they begin planning for next year.”
CMPM staff checked 10-12 fields in most of the counties listed and calculated county-by-county yield averages. The statewide average was weighted based on the percentage of harvested acres that come from each county.
| County | Yield (bushels per acre) |
| Allegan | 182.1 |
| Branch | 173.9 |
| Calhoun | 164.2 |
| Cass | 188.8 |
| Clinton | 174.7 |
| Eaton | 181.3 |
| Genesee | 163.2 |
| Gratiot | 173.6 |
| Hillsdale | 155.8 |
| Huron | 193.9 |
| Ingham | 183.4 |
| Ionia | 180.3 |
| Isabella | 166.2 |
| Jackson | 166.3 |
| Kalamazoo | 171.4 |
| Kent | 187.4 |
| Lapeer | 186.1 |
| Lenawee | 168.3 |
| Livingston | 163.6 |
| Mecosta | 176.8 |
| Monroe | 178.7 |
| Montcalm | 139.0 |
| Muskegon | 170.2 |
| Ottawa | 170.2 |
| Saginaw | 188.2 |
| Sanilac | 192.3 |
| Shiawassee | 160.8 |
| St. Clair | 156.2 |
| St. Joe | 163.0 |
| Tuscola | 186.2 |
| Van Buren | 165.7 |
| Washtenaw | 168.3 |
As part of the tour, CMPM teamed up with Michigan Agricultural Commodities to host a series of meetings across the state to share findings with local farmers, provide updates on the work of CMPM, and provide agronomic and market updates to attendees. More than 500 farmers across the state attended meetings in Elsie, Vassar, Minden City, Silverwood, Trufant, Dowagiac, Concord and Palmyra.
“Knowing that we have these yields out there reinforces how important the work of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan is when it comes to protecting and growing the market for corn,” said Jim Zook, executive director of CMPM. “The investment that our farmers make in the program expands ethanol use by installing new infrastructure in the U.S., opens new foreign markets to exports of corn, DDGS and ethanol, conducts research to boost production efficiency, and makes sure consumers have science-based information about our industry.”
Additional information about the tour, including detailed results and photos are available online at www.micorn.org.
— Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
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