Tennessee ranks about number 16 in corn production in the United States.  In most years, more than 600,000 acres are grown annually for grain and silage.  Most corn is grown in a rotation system, but acreage fluctuates somewhat with commodity and fertilizer prices and weather at planting.  In 2008, because commodity prices were pretty profitable, over 500,000 acres were planted and harvested for grain.  Although 2008 was not as dry a year as 2007, most fields produced below average yields. The projected state average yield is currently 119 bushels per acre.  In 2009, acreage is expected to decrease due to the high cost of fertilizer, sagging corn prices and good soybean prices.

Corn is grown across the state of Tennessee with heaviest production in western and middle Tennessee counties (production map). Most silage is grown near livestock production areas in middle and east Tennessee.  Less than 10% of acres are irrigated and about 85% of corn is grown in a no-till or conservation tillage system.  Yields are heavily dependent on available moisture and hot, dry conditions in the summer can affect pollination and subsequently production for the year.  Planting as early as practical helps minimize the effects of dry July weather on yield.