GLASGOW —
As forecasts predict temperatures above 100 degrees this weekend, local corn farmers are bracing themselves for continued damage to their crops.
Barren County has recorded temperatures at 90 degrees or higher for most of the last two weeks. Less than one inch of rain has fallen on the area in the month of June, and this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are all forecasted to have highs of 103 degrees or higher.
Doug Furlong, who has been farming for 41 years and has 1,350 acres of corn and 1,200 acres of soybeans, said the timing of the current heat wave is especially harmful.
“It’s right at the crucial stage,” Furlong said.
The heat and lack of rain will prevent corn from pollinating, Furlong explained. If the corn does not pollinate, the stalks will contain only empty ears.
“It’s going to hurt us a whole lot,” he said.
Two weeks ago, Furlong said his crop looked liked the best crop he’d had since he started farming. In no time, that turned around, and the weather predicted this weekend threatens to make it worse.
“I’m telling you, if it gets to 102 Thursday and Friday, it’s going to be terrible,” Furlong said.
For the full story, read Thursday's print or e-Edition of the Glasgow Daily Times.
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