Despite a wet spring, the second largest corn crop in U.S. history wasplanted this year. We are now rapidly approaching an important period for thisyear's crop. July is the most critical month for the Midwest corn crop, as faras temperature is concerned. The corn typically goes through the pollinationperiod during the middle of July. Hot weather (temperatures 95 F or higher)inhibits normal pollination, resulting in lower yields. The window of time whenpollination occurs will be much longer than usual this year because of the wetspring. The pollination period this year across the Midwest will run from themiddle of July through the middle of August. Long stretches of 95-degree-plusheat would stress the corn crop and have a negative impact on pollenation.
Our latest forecast tells of 1-3 days of hot weather over the Midwest betweenJuly 9 and 12. While this hot weather may begin to stress the corn crop, itwould not be a long enough period to impact pollination adversely. There may beanother period of hot weather later in July, but it is not expected to lastlong enough to cause serious problems for the corn crop.Story by AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Dale Mohler.