SIOUX CENTER, Iowa (KTIV) -
The summer scorcher means less Iowa corn this year. In fact, the USDA estimates the state's crop will drop double-digits compared to last year's production. Some say souped-up seeds could help.
The drought's brought damage to many Iowa corn fields, and frustration to many farmers.
"You don't know how much praying I have been doing as of late," said farmer Jolene Riessen.
The USDA expects Iowa's corn crop will plunge 19% below last year's production. With harvest season growing near, there's little that can be done. So, farmers have their mind set on the future.
"As they go into next year, they're going to be asking questions about the hybrids they pick," Agronomist Troy Griess.
Griess says farmers are asking him for something that'll beat the heat, drought-tolerant seeds. Griess's company, Syngenta, has just the thing, their Agrisure Artesian brand. Look online, the company claims the hybrid will have up to 15% higher yield on moister-stressed acres.
Drought-tolerant seeds made national news recently. CNBC showcased one brand on the market now, Pioneer's AQUAmax. They say it has 7% higher yield in droughts.
Some concerns though, critics wonder "If these super seeds are drought-tolerant, does that mean they're moisture-intolerant?"
Both Pioneer and Syngenta say no.
"That particular trait doesn't affect the plant if we do get water, so we get maximum yield," said Griess.
Griess says you can grab Agrisure Artesian in 2013. Pioneer's AQUAmax was in wide-release for 2012. It sold 2.5 million acres.
Ear of corn from a farm near Sioux Center, IA.
