Updated January 2015. The increased cost of health insurance is a central fact in any discussion of health policy and health delivery. As annual premiums edged beyond $16,800 for an average family, costs are blamed for rising uninsured and under-insurance..
Figure 1. Corn growth and temperature levels. Corn will germinate and grow slowly at about 50 F (10 C), but the average first spring planting dates across the U.S. usually begin when the average air temperatures reach 55 F (13 C) and soil temperature at seed depth is favorable for seedling growth.
On July 4 when the average temperature is warmer, 74 F, there would be a 74-50 (degree representation) = 24 GDD. In terms of degree days, the rate of corn growth on July 4 would be 24 and when divided by 6, it would be four times as great as at the cooler temperature on May 1.