Farm Progress outlined on Apr. 22 the key developments that have driven significant increases in corn yields, highlighting advances in genetics, crop management, and technology. The report traces maize’s evolution from its origins as a clumpy grass to its current status as the most widely grown crop globally, with nearly one-fifth of production taking place in the United States.
The importance of these yield improvements is reflected in both economic returns for farmers and food supply security. Corn has become a central component of agriculture due to its profitability and adaptability to new farming methods.
According to Farm Progress, modern yield gains are attributed to several milestones: early adoption of measurement and management practices through yield trials; widespread use of hybrid varieties beginning in the early twentieth century; application of synthetic fertilizers after World War II; development and use of fungicides and herbicides; precision technologies such as GPS-guided equipment; genetic engineering for pest resistance; and generational knowledge transfer among farming families. “If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” said Lance Gibson, Corteva Agriscience agronomy training manager.
Experts cited by Farm Progress emphasize that hybridization marked a turning point for corn breeding. Mark Licht from Iowa State University Extension said hybrid corn was “the major driver for higher yields.” Bob Nielsen, retired Purdue Extension agronomist, pointed out that hybrids consistently outperformed open-pollinated varieties during challenging conditions like droughts. Thomas Hoegemeyer, a retired plant breeder from Nebraska, noted how surplus chemicals after World War II were repurposed into fertilizers that further boosted productivity.
Genetic engineering since 1996 has helped control pests while enabling no-till practices and reducing labor requirements per acre. However, Nielsen said there is “no evidence from historical national corn yields that transgenic trait adoption has caused any change in the yield trend line since the beginning of transgenic trait adoption.” Still, these traits made it easier for farmers to maintain potential yields against threats like insects or weeds.
Recent advancements include genomic selection using DNA markers—offering more possibilities than earlier breeders could imagine—and ongoing improvements in nitrogen efficiency and stress tolerance. Gibson remarked on this progress: “Now with genetic markers, we can look at millions of combinations.”
As reported by the official website, Farm Progress supports agricultural communities by providing resources such as market updates and educational programs. The organization functions within Informa PLC’s Informa Markets Division according to their website.
Farm Progress connects with farmers nationwide through content distributed via 18 regional and national brands according to their website. The company delivers agricultural news, market analysis, educational tools according to their website, organizes events like the Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days according to their website, extends its reach via regional publications and digital platforms according to their website, and provides digital resources along with community-focused programs designed to enhance farm operations as stated on their official site.
Looking ahead, experts agree there is still room for growth despite already substantial achievements: “What’s phenomenal is U.S. corn yields were seven times better in 2025 than in the period between the Civil War and the 1930s,” Gibson said.
