Boyle ag agent comments on heat's danger to crops

A good shower or two then would not only help salvage some of the corn, but could at the right time come to the rescue of the soybean crop, which also is in critical need of water, Little said.

Many soybean fields are in the process of canopying over, which Little explained is the point when the plants bush out enough to provide shade and keep soil surface temperatures down.

“One more rain will put them over the top,” Little said.

Tobacco also needs help

Even tobacco, a crop that thrives in hot weather, could stand a little relief from the heat.

“Tobacco is a dry weather crop, but we’re starting to see some added stress. Black shank is starting to show up in some fields,” Little said.

Unlike the corn and soybean crops, commercial vegetables sold at farmers markets and local groceries are not at risk because of a lot of vegetable growers are set up with irrigation systems that draw from ponds or water lines, Little said.

All animals, from cows, goats and horses on down to family pets, can face potential danger from prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Making sure they have access to fresh water and shade is crucial to their good health in hot times, Little said.

“These animals can have heat stress,” he said. “You’ve got to keep a watch on them.”