US corn at risk from heat wave

Jun 21, 2024

Early season timing protects Midwest for now

By Farms.com

A heat wave gripping the central and eastern US is raising concerns about the upcoming corn harvest. While the major corn-producing Midwest may be spared due to the early stage of crop development, southern states are facing a higher risk of crop stress and yield loss.

The National Weather Service issued heat alerts for parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index surpassing 100 F in some areas. This heat wave coincides with the silking stage – the beginning of corn reproduction – in the South, making crops particularly vulnerable.

"June is a bad time for a heat wave for corn across the southern United States," says Brad Rippey, a USDA meteorologist. Hotter temperatures during pollination can lead to shorter ears and fewer kernels, impacting overall yield.

The Midwest, where corn hasn't reached the reproductive stage yet, is expected to fare better. However, weather forecasts predict a hotter-than-usual summer across the US, and a potential shift from El Niño to La Niña could further elevate temperatures in the Midwest.

Studies suggest La Niña is linked to hotter summers in this region, raising concerns for future crop development.

Video: Winter Canola Trial in Mississippi | Can It Work for Double Cropping? | Pioneer Agronomy

Can winter canola open new opportunities for growers in the Mid-South? In this agronomy update from Noxubee County, Mississippi, Pioneer agronomist Gus Eifling shares an early look at a first-year winter canola trial and what farmers are learning from the field.

Planted in late October on 30-inch rows, the crop is now entering the bloom stage and progressing quickly. In this video, we walk through current field conditions, fertility management, and how timing could make this crop a valuable option for double-cropping soybeans or cotton.

If harvest timing lines up with early May, growers may be able to transition directly into another crop during ideal planting windows. Ongoing field trials will help determine whether canola could become a viable rotational option for the region.

Watch for:

How winter canola is performing in its first season in this Mississippi field

Why growers chose 30-inch rows for this trial

What the crop looks like as it moves from bolting into bloom

Fertility strategy, including nitrogen and sulfur applications

How canola harvest timing could enable double-cropping with soybeans or cotton

Upcoming trials comparing soybeans after canola vs. traditional planting

As more growers look for ways to maximize acres and diversify rotations, experiments like this help determine what new crops might fit into existing systems.