We’re entering a key growing period for crops. And if forecasts hold true, the Midwest could be putting up some big yield numbers this year.
The National Weather Service has released its temperature and precipitation outlooks for the next three months. And while much of the country is predicted to have elevated temperatues, the Midwest has a much lower probability for high heat.
“I see nothing standing in the way of bumper Midwestern crops,” says USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. “The Midwest is in a bit of a protective bubble with lower chances of extreme heat there.”
As for precipitation, the eastern half of the country has the highest chance of rain. The Midwest is predicted to look about average, while there may be increased risk for drought out west.
Looking back at the growing season so far, Rippey says it’s been favorable overall - despite extreme weather events, which he says were early enough to miss the prime reproduction stage.
“Specifically looking at corn and soybeans, you have to go far outside the Midwest to find stress on crops,” he says.
