October 30, 2009
WAFF
PRAIRIE CITY, Iowa, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Farmers in Iowa are facing the latest corn harvest to occur in the state in 42 years, a climate expert said
State Climatologist Harry Hillaker said the late harvest, caused by heavy rains, raises concerns for corn farmers because crops become more vulnerable the longer they remain in the fields, The Des Moines (Iowa) Register reported Friday.
Heavy rainfall has left harvesting attempts nearly three weeks behind schedule.
Farmer Dean Taylor said delays in harvesting can result in "lodged corn," a problem that develops when corn stalks bend and clog up farmers' combines.
"When you drive the combine, the thing you hate the most is lodged corn," Taylor said. "That's the reason farmers work so hard to get the corn in as quickly as possible."
The Register said if harvest estimates are met despite the delays the 2009 Iowa corn harvest is expected to earn as much as $15 billion.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/10/30/Iowa-facing-latest-corn-harvest-in-decades/UPI-40501256923818/