Yellow Field Corn

Vegetable

This image shows Yellow Field Corn, also known as Dent Corn — named for the small “dent” that forms at the top of each kernel as it dries. It’s the most widely grown corn variety in the U.S., prized for its versatility in feed, food processing, and biofuel production.

Quick Facts:

Type: Grain corn (not sweet corn)

Kernel color: Bright golden yellow

Texture: Hard outer layer, starchy interior

Primary uses: Livestock feed, cornmeal, grits, masa, corn oil, ethanol

Name origin: The “dent” appears as kernels lose moisture during drying

Culinary & Industrial Uses:

Food products: Cornmeal, polenta, tortillas, and breakfast cereals

Industrial uses: Ethanol, adhesives, plastics, and biodegradable packaging

Animal feed: Major energy source for cattle, poultry, and swine

Decorative use: Dried used for harvest displays and fall décor

Farming Insights:

Planting season: Spring (after frost)

Harvest: Late summer to early fall, when kernels dry on the stalk

Ideal climate: Warm regions with full sun and moderate rainfall

Field management: Often rotated with soybeans to maintain soil health

Nutritional Highlights:

High in complex carbohydrates (energy source)

Provides fiber, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins

Low in fat and naturally gluten-free