Volume 53 Number 20 November 21 2008This Week's Weather & Pests The growing season was characterized by erratic weather, sometimes extremely wet and at other times very dry. Cool spring temperatures and historic flooding in June forced farmers to delay planting, causing great disparity in development and the condition of crops in the state. July exhibited hot, humid weather and both crops and insects responded well to the heat. Mild, dry days and brisk evenings prevailed throughout August, which largely benefited crops. Despite surplus rainfall early on, inadequate precipitation affected most areas of the state in late summer and during fall. Temperatures were unusually warm in September, helping corn and soybeans to mature, while October conditions were warm and abnormally dry. The combined effect of extreme crop development delays and prolonged periods of dry weather resulted in highly variable corn and soybean yields this season, with many reports of lower than expected yields. |
