(Spencer)– Extremely dry conditions have corn and soybean fields under extreme stress. And local ag officials are worried.
Paul Kassel, a Crops Specialist with the Iowa State University Extension Service in Spencer, says corn fields are maturing way too early in some cases. He says there are many areas where the corn has simply dried up and died. Kassel says it’s a bit early to tell just how much yields will be reduced, but he says there are places where the reductions will be substantial.
Kassel says things aren’t much better for soybean fields. Some were already being stressed by aphids. He says some soybean fields could still benefit from a rain, but none is in the forecast through early next week.
Kassel says all indications are pointing toward an earlier than normal harvest.
On the plus side, he says the corn should dry down naturally, saving farmers on drying costs.
