The 1998 corn season was difficult. Planting progressed 1 to 2 weeks behind average. Stress conditions resulted in increased insect pressure and high incidences of smuts and stalk rots.
Seasonal rainfall amounts for the six testing sites are listed in the table below.
Although seasonal rainfall totals are above normal in four of the six stations, the distribution was not always timely for the corn crop. Floyd County location. Corn harvest was hampered by showers but in general proceeded about a week ahead of normal. After salvage for silage and abandonment, only 400,000 acres were harvested for grain at a yield estimated to be only 80 bushels per acre compared to the record yield of 110 bushels per acre from 500,000 acres in 1997.