Even though the recent heat wave has ended, weeks of drought and
days of 100-degree temperatures have already taken a toll on
this year's corn crop in a large part of the Midwestern United
States. The corn crisis from several weeks ago is now becoming a
disaster. Many farmers in parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana
and Kansas are facing a crop failure and financial impact.
Ultimately, the consumer will likely feel the heat from the
upcoming corn shortfall. First, it was the southern part of the
corn belt from Kansas to the Ohio Valley. However, during late
June and early July, the drought and heat spread into the
central part of the corn belt from portions of Nebraska and Iowa
to southern Wisconsin. The heat and ongoing abnormally dry to
extreme drought conditions have occurred during the pollination
period of the corn. Either heat or drought can stress the
stalks, but both can basically shut down the pollination
process. When this happens few, small or no ears of corn form.
According to AccuWeather.com Agric