We all know that it has been dry around here and much of the country for the last few months. The result has been that the corn is really hurting…if it is even surviving. The latest Drought Monitor data shows that 59% of Iowa is in severe drought conditions and extreme drought conditions are just east of Iowa. Here is a chart from the USDA that compares the condition of the corn across Iowa to the last few years through the growing season. Notice how the good and excellent condition of the corn has dropped off rapidly since the end of June (top part of the chart). We have had a rain deficit of 5-7″ and high temperatures in the 90s for a good chunk of the June and July.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Posted under Agriculture