Cold threatens crops across Stoddard Co.

The recent temperature drops could cause some serious, long-term effects on Stoddard County's corn and wheat crops. "Corn faces the most serious risks," said regional Extension agronomist David Guethle. "It really depends on the maturity of both corn and wheat how serious the effects will be." Corn that was planted within the last few weeks will be able to survive because until a plant is 4 to 6 inches tall, it still receives nutrients from the kernel itself while more mature plants depend on the ground, weather and foliage to start photosynthesis. "Any corn above 3 or 4 inches tall doesn't really have a good chance to recover," Guethle said. Wheat, however, should stand a better chance of surviving the weather, he said, although other scientists at the University of Missouri Extension aren't quite as optimistic. In a Friday news release, they stated that Missouri's wheat crop is facing "unprecedented weather conditions" and a significant portion may not survive.

-- Dexter Daily Statesman