A panel of Indiana Certified Crop Advisers discussed the necessity of corn tissue sampling in years when farm budgets are tight, according to an April 28 statement. The panel included Gene Flaningam of Flaningam Ag Consulting, Carl Joern from Pioneer, Greg Kneubuhler of G&K Concepts, and Dan Quinn from Purdue University Extension.
The discussion is important for farmers who must decide where to reduce costs without sacrificing crop yield or health. As market pressures and input costs fluctuate, understanding which agronomic practices are essential can help growers manage their operations more efficiently.
Flaningam said that tissue samples provide data useful for fine-tuning fertility programs but noted that environmental factors such as soil conditions can affect results. “Use sound judgement when making corrective actions in-season with plant tissue sampling,” Flaningam said.
Joern addressed changes in research findings over time: “Historically, growers felt tissue tests didn’t translate into actionable decisions. But newer research is showing that high‑yielding corn and soybeans consistently hit higher nutrient sufficiency levels, and those ranges differ from many of the ‘old’ published benchmarks we’ve all been using for decades.” He added that skipping tissue sampling could mean missing a chance to identify correctable nutrient issues before they impact yield.
Kneubuhler explained that while tissue sampling offers insight, it often serves as a diagnostic tool rather than one for decision-making. He suggested reducing routine testing across multiple timings unless there is a specific problem area or management zone needing attention.
Quinn said: “Corn tissue testing is most valuable when it helps answer a specific question. Its greatest strength is diagnosing a problem when something in the field looks off… Where tissue sampling tends to lose value is when it is done routinely but never leads to a deficiency diagnosis or change in management.” He recommended scaling back on routine tests if past results have not led to changes in fertilizer use or identified recurring issues.
Farm Progress has supported agricultural communities by offering resources like market updates and educational programs according to the official website. The company operates as part of Informa PLC’s Informa Markets Division according to the official website and distributes content through 18 regional and national brands according to the official website. Farm Progress aims to deliver agricultural news, market analysis, and educational tools according to the official website, organizes events such as the Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days according to the official website, and extends its reach nationwide via regional publications and digital platforms according to the official website.
