How America’s Farmers are Thriving in Extreme Heat: Unlocking the Secrets Behind a Bountiful ‘Monster’ Harvest

Robb Rynd and his brother grew up around farming and wanted to expand beyond their regular jobs. So, they joined forces and now cultivate over 200 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum. Last year was great, and Robb loved walking the fields with his kids, excited to see the corn thrive.

But this year tells a different story.

Robb has spent summer inspecting the fields for discolored leaves and missing kernels. A sense of dread fills him as he notes the damage. “It’s hard to look out there and see how bad it is,” he admits.

Farmers across the Midwest are feeling the effects of climate change. Weather patterns are changing, and the usual growing conditions are now unpredictable. Unusually high overnight temperatures, droughts, and heavy rains during critical periods can all adversely affect pollination, turning what should be a bountiful harvest into a stressful gamble.

Despite these challenges, corn growers may enjoy a good crop this season. However, experts warn that unusual weather is making it increasingly difficult for farmers to relax between planting and harvesting.

Research shows that human activities have heightened the severity of extreme heat events in the U.S. For instance, since 1970, warmer nights have become much more likely, according to Climate Central, an organization dedicated to communicating climate science. Robb feels the toll of the heat: “The corn never gets a break. It’s just hot all the time.”

Mark Licht, an agronomy professor at Iowa State University, explains that if corn plants grow too quickly during hot weather, it can cause the tassels—the part that releases pollen—to wrap too tightly within the leaves. This can result in uneven corn ears, a problem that’s becoming more common in certain areas. Traditionally, issues like these were rare.

Moreover, extreme heat can not only lower the amount of pollen but also make it less viable, which can hurt corn’s overall fertility. “Hot nights really add to the problems,” explains Larry Walton, another local farmer. Even with adequate rainfall, some areas still experience pollination issues.

Interestingly, past seasons demonstrate that these heat events and their consequences can vary greatly. For example, during significant droughts, farmers faced major production losses. Yet, after the recent extreme summer of heavy rains, regions that once struggled have seen a return to near-normal conditions, with only 3% of corn production areas experiencing drought as of early August.

Good weather alongside consistent heat has economists predicting a robust U.S. corn crop for 2025. However, the current growing season proved challenging for many farmers. Delayed planting, loss of fertilizer, and issues related to standing water have complicated their work.

Brad Rippey, a meteorologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, notes that while rain is critical, its intensity can lead to runoff that washes away essential nutrients, impacting both crop health and the environment.

The trend toward increased humidity and elevated ocean temperatures may introduce even more uncertainties into farming. It will place a future strain on important crops like corn and soybeans, Rippey adds.

As summer fades, farmers are evaluating the year’s harvest and making plans for next steps. For Robb, contributing to future investments, like updating equipment, becomes challenging when yield uncertainties loom. He stated, “It’s tough to make big decisions when the future is unclear.”

Pollination problems can significantly affect corn yields, especially if 15% to 25% of ears lack kernels. Nicolle Ritchie, a Michigan State University extension agent, works with farmers to address these challenges.

In this changing landscape, innovative solutions are emerging. Jason Cope, who co-founded a farm tech company called PowerPollen, reports that the need for rescue pollination has nearly doubled since their inception in 2018 due to the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions.

Farmers like Walton are adapting to the additional stress, knowing that they must manage what they can while accepting what they can’t control. “You have to learn to roll with it,” he says.

As farmers face a tricky future, they stay focused on resilience and adaptation in the ever-shifting climate landscape.

For more information about the impact of climate on agriculture, you can check out resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on growing conditions and best practices.

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