The only certainty for the 2022 corn harvest this year is unpredictability. As rainfall widely varied across the U.S. Corn Belt, some areas experienced significant swings in growing conditions throughout the summer. Outside of weather variability, disease pressure will also play a role this year. Cooler temperatures toward the end of summer have led to extended leaf wetness, where disease can thrive.

Pests have also been in the spotlight. Corn rootworm populations have stood out this year, though weather conditions did help bring the pressure down in some areas. For corn farmers eyeing yield potential for corn-on-corn fields for next summer, nutrients will be critical for next year’s fertilizer applications. While current input costs may drive farmers to go short on fertilizer, it could be more costly in lower yield payout next season.

Read more on 2022 corn harvest predictions here.