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 2007, because of good commodity price, over 800,000 acres were planted and harvested for grain.  With the extended periods of hot and dry weather during the growing season, the state average yield fell to 106 bushels per acre.  In 2008, acreage is expected to decrease to 700,000 acres due to the strong soybean prices and high fertilizer cost.

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.