Sunday, July 4, 2021

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 20202019201820172016201520142013 and 2012).

Knee High by the 4th of July Iowa Corn 2021

This year we had the earliest spring planting since my husband and I started farming. We had great planting conditions and the rain stayed away so we could get all of our crops in by the beginning of May! Unfortunately, the rain has continued to stay away and things are very dry. Our corn and soybeans are at critical stages of their growth so we are praying for some moisture to help our ears of corn and pods of soybeans develop.

Knee High by the 4th of July Iowa Corn 2021
Here is a look at how big the ears of corn are right now!

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

1 comment:

  1. I think of you every time we say knee high by the 4th of July. I hope you get some rain soon!

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