Corn harvest usually starts in southcentral Nebraska in October, or maybe November depending on how the year's weather went. However, here the first part of August the sight of corn fields looking like it should be November, rather than August 4 is a common sight. The field above, near Lawrence, is among the first of many expected to be seen before the month is over.
The drought and the heat of July has convinced some farmers to try to salvage whatever they can by cutting the corn, plant and all, as early as they can. The field above shows four rows of corn standing in the otherwise corn field cut as of last week. The four rows, we're guessing are left for insurance adjustors purposes. Insurance agents report many inquiries by farmers during the last month as to proper procedure needed by the insurance in case of any claims filed.
In checking with the Weather Bureau and the LBNRD, average rainfall for July in Southcentral Nebraska is around 3.0 to 3.5 inches and parts of this area did receive that. However, July, coupled with low rainfall earlier in the year and with temperatures exceeding the average temperature of 87-90 degrees by at least ten degrees on many a July day, fields of dryland corn did not react well.
While some fields look fairly normal, others look like it should be October or November as the corn stalks have turned that 'harvest brown' color and many stalks did not produce an ear of corn.
The corn stalks in this picture are typical of the whole field and is the reason the field was cut as the farmer tries to salvage whatever he can from his work and prayers.
Much, but not all, of southcentral Nebraska is not irrigated. Some areas did receive a little more rain. However, the year gives drastic examples of the benefit of irrigation. Farmers with irrigation will have a crop, although they will also have increased expenses for the cost of that irrigation.
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