The drought that has taken over much of the Midwest United States has done some damage to Iowa. The crops don't look too good. There are more empty stalks of corn than ones that actually have corn on them.
According to statements made by Bob Bowman on reuters.com, the corn should be about 6 feet tall at this time of year, but it is not anywhere near that. It is only waist high and not looking well.
Central Iowa is usually one of the most productive corn areas in the United States, and this year brought a record fast planting rate. But, that didn't do anything for the hot, dry weather that hit all of a sudden just recently.
Bowman attributes this to the weather that has consistently been over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the lack of rain. The crop loss is already at 25%, and it could be worse if the drought continues.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already decreased its production estimate by 12%, taking it down 20 bushels per acre. Now, only 146 bushels per acre has been predicted.
All of Iowa is considered "abnormally dry." Over half of the state is in at least a moderate drought, with some of it in a severe one. The drought worsened over the last week, with the temperature increase.
Some farmers are predicting that whole fields will have been laid to waste if there is no rain within the next two weeks, and some have already allowed to be laid to waste.
According to statements made by Bob Bowman on reuters.com, the corn should be about 6 feet tall at this time of year, but it is not anywhere near that. It is only waist high and not looking well.
Central Iowa is usually one of the most productive corn areas in the United States, and this year brought a record fast planting rate. But, that didn't do anything for the hot, dry weather that hit all of a sudden just recently.
Bowman attributes this to the weather that has consistently been over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the lack of rain. The crop loss is already at 25%, and it could be worse if the drought continues.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has already decreased its production estimate by 12%, taking it down 20 bushels per acre. Now, only 146 bushels per acre has been predicted.
All of Iowa is considered "abnormally dry." Over half of the state is in at least a moderate drought, with some of it in a severe one. The drought worsened over the last week, with the temperature increase.
Some farmers are predicting that whole fields will have been laid to waste if there is no rain within the next two weeks, and some have already allowed to be laid to waste.
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