As you drive the rural roads you have noticed that the tops of the corn are showing a full yellow tassel. They produce the pollen that falls down to the silk that grows out of the ear of corn that is developing. This pollen needs to live and be healthy on the trip. Temperatures in the high 90's and 100's is not what pollen needs nor does the tender silks. If either is harmed by hot dry weather the kernels of corn will not develop. Most likely there will be empty spaces in the ear and the tip will be barren of kernels. It appears that the night time temps are falling enough to allow good pollination for this time, but with next week forecasts hot and dry there is some concerns. Most of the corn in the Midwest is pollinating now or has just finished and all states are posting record high temps. Again the markets are responding to unknown crop development and have gone higher. The local bids are at times 30 cents above Chicago prices this week, as covered in the April 1st post the positive basis shows demand is strong.
I am pleased how well the corn looks and we had a surplus of rain this spring that the plants are using now. The new hybrids can tolerate dry spells better than before but eventually we will need cooler temps and rain to produce to their potential.
My soybeans also look good now and I am hearing of some insect infestations beginning so farmers will be scouting fields to keep ahead of problems.
Planning is underway for the next harvest celebration and look forward to seeing you October 15th.
Serving together, Dean Lundeen
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