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Show Steps suggested to obtain higher crop yield in grain or silage gus diseases such as common smut and others are usually no real problem if proper varieties varie-ties are planted. Develop a sound fertility pro- Use locally adapted hybrid seed that is especially suited to produce top yields under high plant populations and high fertility fer-tility programs. Selection of grain corn and 25,000 plants-acra plants-acra for silage corn would be near ideal. Control insects and diseases. Insects can and do cause prob lems for Utah Corn growers. Wireworms, cut worms, mites, corn earworms and aphids are of prime concern. Modem insecticides offer control. Fun- gram. This program should be keyed to plant population and the high yield goal set. Corn is a hog for plant food, especially espe-cially nitrogen. improper seed can make lnel-fective lnel-fective all other good management manage-ment practices. Use minimum tillage when preparing the seedbed to avoid soil compaction. Proper use of weed control chemicals can eliminate costly tillage operations opera-tions which cause additional soil compaction The fewer times heavy equipment is on the field, the higher the yield. Plant early and use preplant and post emergence herbicides to control weeds. Research has shown that early planting is necessary for high yields. Prom the plants standpoint, early planting makes sense. It allows the plant to reach maximum max-imum size early in the season when temperatures are highest and day length is longest. Many benefits result: earlier maturity and harvest, reduced fall losses, shorter and sturdier stalks, lower ears, less lodging and higher per cent grain. Therefore, more valuable silage. sil-age. Stand establishment can be more difficult. Therefore, use high quality seed and plant somewhat thicker to allow for some stand loss. Early growth can be slow because of cold, wet soils. High soil fertility and proper placement are a must to pop the lant out of the ground and get it on the pay to top yields. A final stand of 21,000 plants-acre for |