The Lansing State Journal
Searing heat saps corn crop
Farmers say rain needed soon
to save stressed industry
By Sharon Terlep
July 26, 2001
More than a third of mid-Michigan's $40-million corn industry could be wiped
out if a good soaking rain doesn't come in the next two weeks.
July's searing heat and near-drought conditions have sapped one of the state's
top crops. Without rain during its key pollination stage, the kernels won't
grow.
"The crop is stressed," Michigan Farm Bureau spokesman Dennis Rudat
said Tuesday. "We need some rain and we need some temperatures to drop
soon."
The threat for farmers comes at a time when corn profits are down because prices
are near record lows.
Ingham, Clinton and Eaton county farmers produced about 21 million bushels of
corn in 1999, according to the farm bureau. The three counties have about 176,000
acres of the crop, used primarily to feed livestock.
Mid-Michigan has been one of the driest spots in the state for the past two
weeks, with its farmers faring worse than others.
Now is when corn pollinates in Michigan fields - when the corn opens at the
top and releases the pollen that hangs in sacks over the corn stems. If the
corn is too dry or hot, it doesn't pollinate well and the corn ears won't grow.
"This drought has certainly caused the leaves to roll up on my crop,"
Williamston corn farmer Jake Wamhoff said.
The condition of mid-Michigan's crops differ based on location. Areas south
of Mason received significant rain last week. Others didn't and the crops are
suffering.
Making the situation worse: Many farmers were counting on better-than-average
yields this summer to help make up for low prices.
Corn is selling at an average $1.90 per bushel - about 24 cents less than what
it costs to grow.
"The people who have borrowed deeply and are depending on bumper crops
will be hurt more," Wamhoff said.
Corn was the state's No. 2 crop in 1998, according to the Michigan Department
of Agriculture's most recent statistics. Soybeans were No. 1.
Soybeans and hay also could be in trouble if it doesn't rain soon, Rudat said.
Insurance generally covers crops lost because of weather.
Lansing's July rainfall is less than half of what it should be for the month,
according to the National Weather Service. Other parts of the state, especially
in west Michigan, have received more.
The Weather Service says there's a chance it could rain today and on Saturday
and Sunday.
Publication
Terlep, Sharon, 2001, Searing heat saps corn crop, The Lansing State Journal, Thursday, July 26, 2001
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