Skip to main
University-wide Navigation

Sweet Corn

Key Requirements

Land Low to Medium
Labor Medium
Capital Low

Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.

Markets

  • Direct to Consumer
    • Farmer's Market
    • On-Farm Stands
    • CSA
  • Restaurants
  • Local Grocery

Pests & Disease

Corn earworm is one of the most destructive insects attacking sweet corn. Other insect pests that can cause crop damage include corn borer, armyworm, Japanese beetles and flea beetles. Potential disease problems include Stewart’s wilt, leaf blights, rust and viruses.  

$(2610) Cost per Acre (Dozen)

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

$(800) Returns per Acre (Dozen)

Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.

Challenges

  • Susceptible to wildlife causing crop loss 
  • Ears must be quickly and properly cooled once harvested to prevent the sucrose from changing into starch 
  • Requires more area per unit than many other vegetable crops. 

Opportunities

  • Does well in all area’s of Kentucky 
  • Has high demand and in-season corn is easy to sell per ear 
  • Different varieties of sweet corn allow for variety in offerings to consumers.