Farmers in the Page region of North Dakota are bracing for a week of scorching summer temperatures, with highs reaching the 90s. The soaring heat has raised concerns among local farmers, who fear its potential impact on their crops.
Farmers from Page shared their insights, stating that temperatures in the 80s are manageable for crops, but once they cross into the 90s, the crops begin to suffer. They cultivate a variety of crops, including soybeans, wheat (both spring and winter), corn, and sunflowers.
The primary worry among farmers is the drying out of crops, especially corn and wheat. For corn, which is currently in the tasseling and pollination stage, excessive heat, particularly in dry conditions, can damage pollen before it has a chance to pollinate. Similarly, the wheat is in the critical stage of kernel filling, and excessive heat poses a risk to the crop's development.
Farmers are hoping for some humidity in the air, as hot and humid conditions are more favorable for the crops compared to hot and dry weather, which tends to deplete the plants' moisture.
Unfortunately, there's little that farmers can do to prevent their crops from drying out under extreme heat. They are left with no choice but to closely monitor the situation and hope for the best during this crucial period for their corn and wheat crops.
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Categories: North Dakota, Weather