Corn Silking Up 24 Percent From Previous Year

By Caleb Hicks

Alabama corn silking progress is 80 percent complete, according to the latest United States Department of Agriculture crop progress report released Monday, June 27.

The silking progress is up 24 percent from last year, which was 66 percent at this time. Silking is the process of silks sprouting out of the husk surrounding an ear of corn. Each silk leads to a potential kernel, but must be fertilized by the tassel at the top of the stalk in order for proper kernel formation.

State Wheat & Feed Grains Committee member Shep Morris of Macon County said the outlook for corn is promising this year. "Some of the corn has been hurt by the dry weather, but we're looking forward to a good crop this season," Morris said.

Most of Alabama's northeastern region is still in severe drought, with the state's central region abnormally dry.