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Researchers Continue to Expand Corn Potential

SDSU Extension

When farmers first arrived in Dakota Territory, they assumed the growing season was too short for corn and it was planted as a sod crop. But an agronomist writing in a 1909 report said that men who once scoffed are now buying South Dakota farms on which they expect to grow corn. That year, farmers in the state planted over two million acres of corn with a harvest of 65 million bushels.

This year, South Dakota farmers planted 5.9 million acres of corn, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. A projected 781 million bushels could be harvested this fall, which would be 31 million behind 2013’s record yield, but still the second largest.

Corn is a versatile crop. It’s processed into a variety of food products and used as livestock feed and fuel. It’s even used in cosmetics, textiles and plastics. Peter Sexton, associate professor and sustainable crop systems specialist at South Dakota State University, joined Dakota Midday and discussed some recent developments in corn research and technology.

  

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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