Heat Raises Concerns During Corn Pollination

Most of the nation’s corn crop is pollinating under challenging conditions following weeks of intense July heat.

Nutrien Ag Solutions atmospheric scientist Eric Snodgrass says excessive temperatures during pollination could result in smaller ears and incomplete kernel development. He says western Iowa, the Dakotas and parts of Nebraska have been hit especially hard by triple-digit heat and rapidly worsening drought conditions.

Warm overnight temperatures are also a concern. Snodgrass says extended periods with nighttime temperatures above 74 degrees can reduce potential yields.

Conditions are more favorable in parts of the eastern Corn Belt, where continued storm activity could help offset some western losses.

The latest USDA crop report rates 63 percent of the nation’s corn crop in good-to-excellent condition—down four percentage points from the previous week.