We recently ran a story of a local Ethanol plant declaring bankruptcy, citing corn prices as a primary reason. The recent heat wave across the nation’s heartland has been creating problems for more than just the individuals of the heat-stricken states. Corn, a staple crop for the US economy, is in danger of serious damage from the extreme heat. 2011 crops were slated to be especially large to accommodate recent demand, but with heavy rainfall and flooding in the Spring months, planting was delayed. The delay has set the current stage of growth in a very critical period. The corn ideally requires temperatures in the 80s with a stable source of water. However with record-high temperatures in the triple digits and high pressure keeping skies clear, the corn is beginning to wither. On Tuesday July 26th, 35-40% of farmers reported that their crops have been damaged by the heat. Already this has raised the price of corn 12.25 cents to $6.6875 a bushel. Aside from causing an influx in the prices in the corn later in the year, the smaller harvests are expected to raise gas, meat, and dairy prices.
- Weather Intern Tom Bedard
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