BOTTOM LINE WEATHER POINTS
– Storm Exchange corn yield estimate: 144 bushels per acre
– Early season flooding delayed planting across the corn belt
– 15-25% of the U.S. Corn crop faces the risk of frost damage
– Storm Exchange corn yield estimate: 144 bushels per acre
– Early season flooding delayed planting across the corn belt
– 15-25% of the U.S. Corn crop faces the risk of frost damage
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| Flooding permanently impacted 10-12% of the U.S. Corn Crop |
The Storm Exchange corn yield estimate now stands at 144 bushels per acre. This number represents a 6% cut below trend and a sharp reduction from the USDA's August monthly prediction of 155 bushels per acre.
This yield forecast is one bushel higher than the company's forecast last month, due primarily to improvements in Nebraska crop conditions. Storm Exchange attributes the projected below trend shortfall to a combination of delayed planting across the corn belt caused by the severe flooding that occurred in the spring of 2008.
The flooding permanently impacted 10-12% of US corn, meaning that perfect weather conditions are needed create bumper crop yields to make up the difference. It also means that the corn will require an extended warm growing season to mature safely before the first fall freeze. In Iowa, for example, Storm Exchange calculates that the likelihood of a severe freeze is 30% higher than historical average.
Across the corn growing region of the US, approximately 15-25% of the US corn crop is at risk of frost damage. "With the crop going in the ground so late and not maturing quickly enough, we now have the double jeopardy situation of immature corn and cold weather on the horizon," said Gail Martell, Storm Exchange Senior Agriculture Analyst. "Whether we encounter freeze damage or not, there is simply no avoiding the fact that shallow kernels will develop in late-maturing corn with cool temperatures that hinder ear-filling."
