Lee County, IA – The recent rain appears to have countered the impact of the August heat wave on Lee County's corn and soybean fields.
Extension Director Bob Dodds is still expecting a good year, in terms of yield, from both crops despite the high temperatures and humidity.
He says the corn could really use about one inch of rain per week for the next month and temperatures in the mid-80's to low-90s.
Dodds says those same conditions are even more important, right now, for soybean fields.
Dodds says one positive of the high temperatures has been that a serious soybean pest will not be as much of a factor this summer.
He says the summer has also seen good wheat yields and prices in Lee County but lower than normal yields for oats and hay.
You can hear more with Lee County Extension Director Bob Dodds by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* Dodds says Lee County's corn and soybeans look just as good as every other county's between Keokuk and Ames.
* Dodds says harvest season will start to get underway in six weeks or so.