Corn in the backyard 2011, week 11

July 31

Height = 101 inches

Last week growing degree days = 222

Historical average growing degree days = 176

Growing degree days since planting = 1930

Historical average since planting = 1683

Another hot week for the corn field, although not quite as hot as the week before.  We've been blessed with a bit of rain, so that has probably helped the corn endure the heat without signs of significant stress.  Farmer Wagenbach informed us earlier that this hybrid needs about 2755 growing degree units to reach the black layer phase, so it looks like we've got over 800 more growing degree days before we can expect the corn to be that mature.  In the meantime, we'll look for other signs of maturity, such as those shown in the picture below.

The silks have darkened indicating they've done their duty in the pollination cycle, and now the plant needs to grow healthy kernels on its ears so they can reach maturity in a timely fashion.  A few of the plants are showing the very earliest signs of stalk drying, which is not surprising for this time of year.  Stay tuned, 'cause it looks like we're on the home stretch!