Monday, August 7, 2023

Missouri corn fields suffer a new drought loss

Corn fields impacted by drought in Missouri have failed to pollinate, a surprise farmers only recently discovered.

Earlier it seemed it might be one of their best crops ever, but that quickly changed as drought evolved.


Kyle Samp, a farmer in Cairo, said some fields have only had a few inches of rain all year.


The corn inside the fields are lush and green, which gives the impression that Samp’s corn crop was able to weather the drought this year. But as Samp peels back the husks on the ears, it’s evident the drought did extensive damage.


According to weekly report from the United States Department of Agriculture, Missouri is has the worst crop condition ratings this year. 


USDA said more than 25 per cent of the corn crop is rated good to excellent. 


The Missouri soybean crop is rated 28 per cent good to excellent. 


The national rating for corn is 55 per cent good to excellent and 52 per cent for soybeans.