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Tropical rain and winds could hurt some dry Kentucky corn

By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the state corn harvest nears, increased concerns over dry weather have risen despite a visit by the remnants of Tropical Storm Faye and Hurricane Gustav.

In fact, strong winds and heavy rain at this point could do more damage than good. Experts at the University of Kentucky (UK) College of Agriculture are warning farmers to check their cornstalks to determine if the dry conditions last month may have caused deterioration in strength.

“This year, we have much taller plants, better ear development and better seed fill,” said Chad Lee, UK grain crops extension specialist.
“The ears are taking on more weight this year, and the condition of the stalks is a real concern.”

Many portions of the state did not receive any rain during a three-week stretch in August, according to Keys Arnold, a UK agricultural meteorologist. As of last week, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicated 89 percent of the state is abnormally dry and according to Sept. 4 data, a large portion of the state was classified as being in a moderate drought.

UK information notes “dry conditions caused the crops to stop growing and taking in nutrients. However, the seeds were still developing when the dry weather set in. With no other source of nutrients, the seeds may have started pulling nutrients from the stalks in order to finish their development.”

Lee said, “Right now would not be a good time to get a lot of wind or heavy rain. That would put pressure on the cornstalks.”
He added that this isn’t just a problem in Kentucky but a widespread issue in surrounding areas, as well.

That said, not all corn crops are at risk. Lee said the state does have some pockets where corn received ample rain and it is not nearly as stressed.

“I’ve gone out to a lot of fields and seen decent ear size, but as the stalk dries down, it may become weakened,” he said. “This year, we have much taller plants, better ear development and better seed fill. The ears are taking on more weight this year, and the condition of the stalks is a real concern.”

Lee added that still, the corn crop is in good shape overall – but now is a time for producers to be aware of the condition of their crop and the weather conditions that may develop to determine if an early harvest is in order.

Some crops in the western part of the state have already been harvested, but for the most part, producers are still a week or two away.

“I think farmers need to watch their crop, and harvesting early will come down to the weather. Some farmers however have so many acres they have to harvest when they can,” he said. “Right now, we are truly at the mercy of Mother Nature and we need to keep an eye out and know our options.”

Lee also said it is important to keep an eye on the tropical systems and know where they are coming from, noting that the advantage of such systems is there are a few days of warning before they move through.

How to check the crop

UK recommends “to check for stalk deterioration, farmers should walk their fields. They will need to grab a stalk at chest height, pull the plant toward them until it is at an angle and let go.
“If the stalk snaps back and stands up, it is strong. It’s weak if it falls over. If farmers find weak stalks in their fields, they will want to weigh their options and consider harvesting the crop early.”

In doing so, however, the corn will likely not have completed the drying process. “Usually farmers harvest when the seeds are at 14 to 15 percent moisture, but this year they may want to harvest at 18 percent and dry it out after harvest if the stalks are weak,” Lee said.

Drying after harvesting is usually the last thing a producer wants to do because of the added energy cost, but it could beat the alternative.

9/10/2008