As crops continue to progress across Iowa, some Greene County farmers are faced with an extra challenge.

Landus Cooperative Field Agronomist Zach Minnihan tells Raccoon Valley Radio Monday’s straight line winds impacted some of the corn, which varies from field to field.

“Most of the corn that I’ve looked at is bent over, which we’re pretty hopeful that corn is still growing so it’s going to straighten itself out and still be able to produce an ear on it. It’s pretty resilient. The stuff that’s broken clean off that’s a different story, that’s pretty much done for.”  

Minnihan suggests contacting your respective field agronomist as far as evaluating any potential damage from Monday’s storm if you haven’t already done so. He points out everywhere else, both corn and soybeans are developing, but both are still about 10-15 days behind average, due to the late planting season. 

The National Weather Service is estimating daytime highs to be back in the lower to mid 90 degrees, with few chances of precipitation in the next 7-10 day forecast. Minnihan notes rainfall isn’t needed as much as the heat to return for the crops, but he does advise watching out for certain diseases and pests to occur.

“The big thing to watch out in this environment is this humidity and some of these fungal diseases that we are seeing come on, (including) tar spot, northern corn leaf blight, and then again with bug pressure. I’m sure everybody has seen Japanese Beetles either in their roses or some type of fruit tree. Those critters are going to be in your corn too and eat. It’s a really good time to be in your field as much as possible for corn and beans. And just stay active(ly) scouting and try to stay ahead of some these disease, insects we’re planning to see here in the next couple of weeks.”  

According to the latest Iowa Department of Agriculture Crop Progress and Condition Report, about 81-percent of the corn statewide was rated good to excellent, while 79-percent of soybeans were also good to excellent.