NOBLESVILLE, IND. – Extreme summer heat across Indiana is creating a balancing act for farmers working to keep crops and livestock healthy during peak growing season. Seventh-generation farmer Adam Sheller of Sheller Farms in Noblesville says current conditions are generally favorable for corn and soybean growth.

Crop Growth and Challenges

Sheller notes that while high temperatures can support crop development, they also bring added challenges that require constant monitoring and adjustments in the field and on the farm. "Right now, as far as the crops go, they’re kind of loving this weather," Sheller said. "They love the heat. There’s this unit called ‘growing degree days,’ and we’re hitting right now, which is very good for the corn."

However, Sheller also mentions that weeds thrive under the same conditions, creating additional management needs. "We’re kind of just managing weed control and pressures right now," Sheller said. "Trying to continue to gain that optimal yield." Weeds compete with crops for nutrients and moisture, which can reduce overall yield if not controlled.

In addition to crops, Sheller Farms manages dairy goats, beef cattle, and show pigs. Sheller said livestock care becomes more intensive during periods of high heat. "You have to have water," Sheller said. "We water daily — a lot of them are on automatic waterers now — and just trying to not do a lot with the animals."

Livestock Care and Field Management

Sheller said most animal handling is done during cooler morning or evening hours to reduce heat stress. Farmers also adjust long-term field management practices during the summer months, including fungicide applications aimed at protecting crops from disease pressure.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.