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Climatologist not concerned about an early freeze

A climatologist says some farmers have been concerned about the possibility of an early freeze and its impact on corn and soybeans.

Dennis Todey, director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, says he’s been talking with growers who faced planting delays or had to re-plant. “We can’t see anything about absolute chances for freeze until about two weeks out.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the 2024 Farm Progress Show, he said he has no major concerns with any kind of an early freeze at this point. “We’re seeing corn starting to turn,” he said. “Soybeans are going to start turning here pretty quickly. I really don’t have any major concerns. If somebody planted really late, maybe in some far northern areas that were a bit delayed might have a little bit of issue.”

Todey says the trend is for the first freeze to occur later in the fall.

Farm Progress Show Interview: Dennis Todey, USDA Midwest Climate Hub