July Heat Wave to Stress Corn, Livestock

Some rainfall in the U.S. Corn Belt alleviated some drought stress this month. However, a heat ridge in the south is bringing triple-digit temperatures to most of the corn-growing region in the final days of July. The heat wave is expected to make this the fourth hottest and one of the driest last weeks of July in more than 30 years.

The ongoing dryness and extra heat will stress the corn crop and also pose a threat to livestock. Precipitation is expected, however scattered and likely accompanying severe thunderstorms. Drier soils and increasing drought conditions come at an inopportune time in corn development. A timely rain will be necessary following the heat wave.

Read more on weather impacting corn and livestock here.