The unpredictable weather patterns in Pennsylvania have presented challenges for local farmers, particularly affecting the growth and harvest of sweet corn. Farmers across the region have expressed concerns about the cold-to-hot-to-dry weather pattern, which has created unfavorable growing conditions. Jason Coopey, co-owner of Way Fruit Farm, highlighted the difficulties caused by the extreme weather fluctuations, including the recent addition of smoke from wildfires. Farmers rely on regular rainfall every two to three days, but the timing of planting becomes crucial. Gary Long, a sweet corn farmer in Blair County, explained that he had to adjust his planting dates due to the cold weather, only to face issues with insufficient rain. The uncertain weather has led farmers to experiment with multiple planting times to gauge the impact on crop growth. As the season progresses, farmers are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that favorable conditions will prevail. However, concerns remain about the height and health of the corn due to delayed growth, which could potentially affect the final harvest in August. The combination of weather challenges and delayed harvests may also lead to potential price increases for consumers.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn