Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Knee High by the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops.  It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July."  Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year (see 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).

Knee High by the 4th of July Iowa Corn Farm Family


As you can see, this year's corn is a lot taller than knee high.  In fact, it is over my husband's head (and he's 6'2")!  The corn is also starting to tassel.  Every 4th of July we also check the growth of the corn by checking out the development of the ear of corn.

Knee High by the 4th of July Beginning Development of Ear of Corn with Silks
An ear of corn with all of the silks intact
Each of those silks will turn into a kernel of corn
This year's ear of corn is double the size it normally is at this time due to the heat and growing degree days we had in June, yet it is still neat to see the ear of corn fit in the palm of our hand now, while it'll be 10" long come harvest.

Knee High by the 4th of July Beginning Development of Ear of Corn

We hope you all have had a great Independence Day!  What are some of your favorite family traditions for the 4th of July?  Remember to Comment for a Cause.

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15 comments:

  1. Beth AnnJuly 5, 2018 at 6:31 AM

    I love your 4th of July pictures! I look forward to them every year!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CarleeJuly 5, 2018 at 10:17 AM

    I love this tradition too! I almost got a 1st of July picture,but forgot and wasn't by any corn fields in the 4th 😕 maybe next year!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJuly 5, 2018 at 10:38 AM

    For the past 3 years I have joined a terrif crew of At Adventure volunteers to share the story of ag at our area 4th of July celebration. This year's was definitely the hottest!

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    if things didn't get better soon, we needed to consult with an ENT about tubes. We were at the point that I didn't even need to call or make an appointment for McKenna to be seen, we could walk in and they would get us in there to check her ears. We got checked consistently to watch the infection and monitor it.click here

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    Your gardening achievements are truly impressive! The concept of "Knee High by 4th of July" perfectly captures the essence of a thriving garden. Your dedication and green thumb are an inspiration to all aspiring gardeners. Here's to a summer filled with blooming beauty!
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    "Knee High by the 4th of July" is a colloquial expression in the United States that reflects the expectations for the growth of corn crops. The saying suggests that a successful corn crop should reach a height of knee-high by the Fourth of July, a crucial milestone in the agricultural calendar. This tradition holds significance as it indicates healthy and timely crop development, influenced by factors such as weather conditions and planting schedules.... bankrupcy lawyers near me

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