What Drought 2012 Looks Like in Western Kentucky Corn Fields
3:26 pm in Uncategorized by Crane-Station
all photos taken on 7/24/2012 by CraneStation on flickr
US Drought Outlook (hat tip cmaukonen)
US Drought Monitor, updated frequently (hat tip Missouri Mule)
These are popcorn fields in Western Kentucky near our home. One owner, who wished to remain anonymous explained that no one in the area has crop insurance, and that everyone will likely lose the crops. Of the fields we photographed, his looked the best because they are lowland fields. The lowland corn is pictured in the first three photos. Some of the corn growers may chop the fields down for silage. As you can see in the other photos, the creek beds are very low or dry (pictured). One ear we photographed had exposed kernels that appeared unhealthy and below the usual number.
This area relies on nature for water. It is usually extremely lush with swollen creek beds full of small blue gill fish. Many of these beds are dry or very low.
The popcorn grower we spoke to also confirmed the practice among livestock farmers in the region of selling animals for slaughter due to the pressures of drought this season.
Today it was 103 F, and there is no rain in the forecast. As far as corn is concerned, many growers have given up on this year’s crop.
Lowland popcorn ear, showing less than normal number of kernels, click to enlarge.
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