Extreme heat remains a major agricultural issue across a large portion of the Corn Belt. Heat warnings stretch from Iowa and Kansas through Illinois and toward Ohio, with heat indexes expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees in some areas. The timing matters. USDA reported last week that 13% of corn was mature as of Aug. 30, while 13% of soybeans were dropping leaves. That leaves portions of both crops vulnerable to late-season stress. The immediate concern may be greatest for soybeans still filling pods, although prolonged heat can also accelerate corn maturity and reduce grain fill. Livestock producers face additional concerns involving animal stress, water consumption, and weight gain. Markets are now balancing the approaching harvest against uncertainty over whether the heat will trim final national yields.
Midwest heat raises late-season corn and soybean concerns
