Storms produced winds in excess of 70 MPH across various areas of Nebraska and western Iowa this past weekend. This occurred at a time of rapid growth for many corn fields. Wind damage to corn has occurred either as stalk breakage (also known as green snap or brittle snap) or root lodging (plants uprooted and laying over do varied degrees) The yield effect of “green snap” damage depends on the percentage of field affected and whether the breakage occurs above or below the ear, but is usually serious regardless. The ability of the hybrid in question to maintain yield at reduced plant populations will also make a difference. Root lodged corn will likely straighten up to varying degrees depending on the growth stage of the crop. Younger corn has a greater ability to straighten up with minimal “goose-necking” than older corn. Yield loss from root lodging depends on whether soil moisture remains adequate for root regeneration, the severity of root damage, and to what degree plant harvestability is affected at year's end.  It is not uncommon to see varied levels of tolerance to root lodging and brittle snap between different hybrids but that is only one piece of the puzzel.  Planting populations, row direction, planting date, planting depth, soil moisture, and soil compaction can all have a huge influence as well.