2025 Corn Hybrid Performance Report: Upper Coastal Plain

Planting corn PBRS 2025 — — View original

Overview of 2025 Yields and Outlook

Corn yields across the Upper Coastal Plain showed significant improvement in 2025 compared to 2024. While some localized areas had below-average results, the vast majority of the region experienced average or above-average yields.

Looking ahead, planting corn in 2026 may appear challenging due to the current state of the market and input prices. However, it's crucial to remember that both the market and growing conditions are dynamic. To maintain profitability, growers are encouraged to adopt a diverse cropping system to effectively spread risk in 2026. This includes planting a diversity of hybrids and not just one or two across the whole farm. The data presented in this report illustrates the performance of various hybrids and is designed, along with the NC State OVT Variety Selection Tool, to aid in your hybrid selection decisions for the upcoming season.

The Region

For the fourth consecutive year, Upper Coastal Plain counties collaborated to install both irrigated and dryland corn hybrid tests. The 2025 study included 14 individual test sites located across 10 participating counties: Bertie, Edgecombe, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pitt, and Washington.

Data Presentation and Interpretation

The results from the fourteen sites are summarized in the combined table below. Additional data tables are also provided, including separate results for dryland, irrigated, and individual county tests.

Ranking: Test hybrids are ranked by their average yield across all relevant locations. A rank of "1" indicates the highest yield, and "18" indicates the lowest.
Top Performers: The top three highest-yielding hybrids are visually indicated by color: blue for first place, red for second, and yellow for third.
Check Hybrid: A standard check hybrid (e.g., Dekalb DKC67-44VT2P) was used at all sites. It was planted on the outside borders of each plot, and after every third tested hybrid within the plot.

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their invaluable contributions to the 2025 testing program:

Participating Growers: For their on-site support and commitment.
Seed Companies: For their continued financial and material support, which makes this level of investigation possible. We look forward to their participation in 2026.
Clif Hardison and Sweetwater Creek Seeds: For providing warehouse space for seed storage and staging.
Rick Strecker: For supplying the check hybrid (DKC67-44VT2P) used at all sites.
Ben Winslow and Dr. Ron Heiniger: For their ongoing support and expertise provided to the team.