We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the threat of warmer temperatures to human health and the national economy.
But the latest emerging threat to the already-endangered 2008 Midwest corn harvest is just the opposite. Cooler than normal temperatures are the problem, according to the latest data from AccuWeather.
Temperatures of the last week have been two to four degrees below normal. A continuation of that trend could push back the maturation date of the crop.
Ag experts use growing degree days, based on temperature, to measure corn growth. From June 17 to 23, the heart of the corn belt saw 14 percent fewer degree days than normal.