Cooler weather had delayed planting in the Texas Panhandle earlier in the season, but warmer weather has since prompted growth, said agronomist Ronnie Schnell in an article by TAMU writer Robert Burns.

Other states are fairing well, too.

Rainfall in the Midwest in late June, accompanied by warmer temperatures, bolstered growth prospects for corn and soybean crops, according to a Reuters report in the Baltimore Sun. Predicted drier weather also will help ensure further growth.

According to another Reuters report by Sam Nelson, however, Iowa received the most spring rainfall this year, slowing some crop plantings and threatening to reduce yields. But for many farmers, corn crops look healthy and are growing.

Frost damage to corn early in the season caused leaves to yellow and wilt in some areas, such as the Texas High Plains and the Brazos Valley, but crops in those areas have since recovered, Schnell said.

A USDA crop report for Texas, compiled from extension county agent reports, showed by the end of May that 95 percent of corn had been planted. Forty-four percent was rated as in good condition, 38 percent fair, 8 percent excellent and the remainder in poor to very poor condition.  FG

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—Compiled from various sources