Drought Hits Corn Crops in Colorado and Texas
The corn crop in Colorado is facing significant challenges due to below-average snowpack, sparse rain, and record heat. Despite efforts to estimate yields, Nick Colglazier of the Colorado Corn Council notes that a hailstorm could significantly impact the crop. DTN's estimate of 103.4 bushels per acre (bpa) may be close, but access to water has been a struggle statewide, with lower snowpack reducing water allotments and irrigators in eastern counties dealing with aquifer reductions.
Half of Colorado's corn crop is irrigated, and yields can range from 250 bpa to 300 bpa if there's enough water. However, the heat has caused plants to 'fire' for dryland crops, which typically yield between 40 bpa and 100 bpa.
In contrast, Kentucky's corn crop appears to be doing better, with DTN models forecasting a statewide average yield of 208.4 bpa, well above the five-year average of 181.7 bpa. However, farmer Quint Pottinger notes that thinner soils and heat can still knock off yield in August ahead of harvest.
The Texas corn crop is also looking good, with yields expected to be strong in central Texas and along the Coastal Bend. However, South Texas is experiencing weak areas due to late rain and limited irrigation water.