Southern Wisconsin's corn crop in danger

An agronomist says much of southern Wisconsin's corn crop could be lost unless the region gets a significant amount of rain in the next week.

The National Weather Service doesn't have any soaking rain in the forecast in the next week, although there's a 50 percent chance for showers Friday and Saturday.

Landmark Services Cooperative agronomist Joe Speich says the lack of rain has shut down the field corn's pollination process in the critical 10 days after it tassels. If the corn plant doesn't pollinate, there will be no ears.

Harvey Kopp tells the State Journal his losses on 900 acres of field corn and 400 acres of sweet corn near Beloit and Albany could climb above $750,000 is it doesn't rain soon. Kopp does not have crop insurance.

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Information from: Wisconsin State Journal

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