We usually* get enough rain that lodging is a problem.  So we grow shorter varieties, even dwarf varieties.  Anecdotally, in dry years in the past, the shorter the variety, the less stress they seemed to be able to endure.  Without rain, the dwarf varieties just go to head very early, while the taller varieties seem hang on a bit longer, and if it eventually rains, do better.  Is this the way it should be, or should the short varieties do better since they would take less moisture per kernel?  

 Of course, this year, it doesn't rain, and I grew mostly short varieties......