DROUGHT-LIKE CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT FARMERS' POCKETBOOKS
Tuesday, July 19th, 2005 -- 11:00 AM
Farmers around the state are experiencing one of the driest summers on record, and it could impact their bottom-line.While some areas have faired slightly better, much of the state is experiencing one of the fifth driest growing seasons on record ? in fact it has been drier than during the drought of ?88.
Clark County Extension Crops and Soils agent Nick Schneider says the corn crop is reaching the critical pollination stage, which affects yield quantity and quality.
"We're just starting to see some tassles coming up and silking. Drought stress through that period is really a time to be concerned," Schneider says.
The pollination stage determines the yield and the quality of the crop.
"There may be some cases where the cobs have a scattering of kernels that are pollinated or the tip may die back," Schneider says.
And a poor corn crop could have a big impact on area farmers? budgets. Not only will it reduce the amount of homegrown forage they have to feed their animals, it would also drive the price of corn up at market.
"On the Chicago Board of Trade, the prices have been creeping up. While we feel we've been dry, it's been even drier in the south."
But there is some hope; rain over the next few weeks would go a long way to ensuring a good yield this fall.
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