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Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


What makes cornbelt yields grow?

Monday, May 4, 2009

Modern corn hybrids have long been thought to have more erect leaves and therefore are better able to increase biomass through photosynthesis, especially when plant populations are increased. According to the peer-reviewed journal Crop Science, produced by Crop Science Society of America, there is another reason. Newer hybrids are more effective at extracting water deep in the soil profile.

"There is some evidence suggesting that hybrids with narrow root angle have this capability," a summary of the study states.

Old-style hybrids have wider roots, while modern hybrids tend to drill down to find moisture.

A team of scientists from Australia and the United States conducted this project with Pioneer Hi-Bred International. The Crop Science Society is based in Madison, Wisc. BF
 

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May 2026

Better Farming Magazine

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Colouring a Safer Future for Farm Kids

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Teaching children about farm safety is an essential part of protecting the future of Canadian agriculture. With that goal in mind, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has launched the Kids FarmSafe Colouring Contest, a creative initiative designed to help young people learn... Read this article online

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