Corn Ears with Developmental Abnormalities Threaten US Farm Revenue

Abnormal corn ears are emerging as more than just an agronomic curiosity for U.S. growers heading toward harvest in September 2026, according to research by Ohio State University corn specialist Osler Ortez.

The disorders commonly described as beer-can, zipper, barbell or banana ears can sharply reduce kernel production and farm revenue, with losses on affected plants ranging from 35% to 91%. A field managed and financed for 200-bushel corn that ultimately produces only 100 bushels leaves growers trying to recover the cost of nitrogen, seed, crop protection, irrigation, fuel and machinery from half the expected production.

The financial damage becomes particularly painful because most production expenses have already been committed before abnormal ears become obvious. Growers cannot recover fertilizer already applied, machinery depreciation or crop protection expenses simply because kernel set failed. Every missing bushel therefore raises the effective production cost of the grain that remains.

Hybrid selection is one of the most important management levers because genetics determine how plants respond when environmental conditions deteriorate. Researchers suggest growers should consider hybrid selection not only for yield potential, disease resistance and standability but also as a defensive strategy against developmental abnormalities.