This summer, the Midwest has experienced a period of intense drought that threatens the health of the region’s cash crops.
The 12 Midwestern states are also the top 12 corn-producing states in terms of bushels produced, based on data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture. When corn grows in drought conditions, a variety of complications — smaller leaves, smaller ears and reduced number of kernels — can result in a lower overall yield, depending on what growth stage it is in.
Since the start of summer, the percentage of United States corn in drought areas peaked at 70% during the week of June 27, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Source: investigatemidwest.org
Photo Credit: gettyimages-songdech17
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Weather