US (IL): Local farmers seeing above average corn
In some areas, stalks are standing over six feet tall and local growers say everything is looking good.
Rain and cold weather gave Illinois farmers a difficult time to start out the spring, but by the end of planting, they were finishing ahead of schedule.
One local corn grower says that although his crop got past this obstacle, it doesn't mean that there won't be more waiting in the future.
"It's always a challenge," said farmer Earl Williams. "This is a great industry because you never know what you're going to get. You never get bored because one year it's too hot, one year it's too cold. Even though the corn got a slow start, it's farther along now than the average at this time."
Williams says that July is always the most crucial month for his corn crop because that is when pollenation begins and they are most vulnerable.
According to the latest USDA crop progress report, 78 percent of Illinois' corn is looking good or excellent.
Source: www.wifr.com
