Planting corn at high‐speed increased stand variability but did not affect yield

Abstract Timely planting and uniform stands are prerequisites for optimal corn ( Zea mays L.) production. However, frequent rainfall often limits corn acreage planted in the southeast region of the United States. Planting faster might offer a potential solution as new technology claims up to 19 km h −1 planting speeds without sacrificing seed singulation or yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate corn response to varying planting speeds in Mississippi. Trials were arranged as a randomized complete block design during the 2023 and 2024 cropping seasons. A precision planter (John Deere bar and MaxEmerge 2 row units retrofitted with Ag Leader SureSpeed and SureForce) was tested at 9.7, 14.5, and 17.7 km h −1 actual ground speeds. A mechanical planter (John Deere 1700 ground‐driven planter equipped with eSet meters) at 9.7 km h −1 was used as a standard check. Corn hybrid DKC 70‐27 was planted at 81,800 and 85,000 seeds ha −1 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In both seasons, increased planting speed generally lowered plant population and quality of seed placement with increased skips and spacing variability. Planting at 14.5 km h −1 optimized precision and reduced multiples using the precision planter. Moreover, planting speed beyond 14.5 km h −1 did not affect corn yield. The precision planter at 17.7 km h −1 exhibited improved performance over the mechanical planter at 9.7 km h −1 , particularly in maintaining lower miss and multiple indices. Using this technology, Mississippi corn producers can plant more land within the critical planting window at higher speeds without affecting yield.