Value-added corn hybrids offer opportunities for farmers to channel corn for specific end uses, and may represent one of the best alternatives to keep some corn growers competitive versus a commodity-based grain production system. Because there are many output traits that change or improve corn quality, the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) established Quality Trait Research Trials in 2001 throughout Missouri to evaluate multiple hybrids.

Specifically, research evaluated agronomic characteristics and yield of high extractable starch and food-grade varieties, and the milling characteristics of commercially-released varieties for value-added corn opportunities. Such research will help MCGA members and end users make informed decisions on stable, high yield hybrids with value-added potential. Research in 2004 has included over 50 commercially available food grade (hard endosperm), waxy, white, NutriDense, and high extractable starch hybrids among others.

As harvest is completed, results will be posted on this page of Missouri Corn Online. MCGA offers a special thanks to Dr. Kelly Nelson, MU Greenley Center, for assistance with the program. MCGA also appreciates the efforts and cooperation of participating seed companies: Adler, AgriGold, AgVenture, Asgrow, Burrus, Dekalb, Favored, Garst, Golden Harvest, Great Lakes, Hubner, LG, Midwest Seed Genetics, NC+, NuTech, Pioneer, Producer's, and Taylor

The Missouri Corn Growers Association also continues the development of an identity preserved (IP) grain system, which has been in the pilot stage for the last few growing seasons. The Quality Trait Research Trials are allowing MCGA to develop a database on individual hybrid performance for quality traits. As we begin IP system rollout, these hybrids and their resulting quality traits can be delivered as an IP product to end users through a trademarked system called QTSolutions™. 

The QTSolutions™ system can channel and verify the content and quality of grain products, and allow farmers and grain handlers to meet both current and future market demands. The total system includes online traceability, knowledge of hybrid and trait values, farmer training, farmer in-field protocols, and services to grain handlers and end users.  Funding for the QTSolutions™ IP system development and associated market development for quality trait corn products has been provided by the Missouri Agriculture and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA), USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) and USDA Rural Development.

EXPLANATION OF METHODOLOGY:
An identical set of hybrids, grouped by value-added markets, is evaluated at multiple, statistically replicated locations. Statistical analysis will be used to analyze hybrids over multiple locations. Therefore, check-hybrids (the same hybrid entered every other entry throughout the trial) are not included. However, some plots will include the same hybrid between different categories of the plot to use as a reference guide. If applicable, this hybrid was chosen by the cooperator, and is representative of hybrids planted in the area.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR, AND WHAT YOU CAN LEARN:
Hybrids which have excellent yield and agronomic characteristics, which ALSO qualify for value-added markets and opportunities, which fit your area and production practices.

HOW TO INTERPRET RESULTS:
MCGA has asked participating seed companies to enter hybrids that meet the requirements for certain value-added opportunities, and have evaluated these hybrids for both value-added traits as well as yield. From these results, hybrids which meet minimum category criteria are then matched with value-added market opportunities. Therefore, seed providers may have other hybrids that have equal yields, or are better suited for the trial soil type, but may not qualify for the targeted value-added market.

QUALITY TRAIT RESEARCH TRIAL RESULTS

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Disclaimer: Individual location yields of hybrids may not be indicative of what you might expect on your farm.