DeKalb County corn typically well exceeds the old saying that corn is “Knee-High by the 4th of July.” However, due to unprecedented rains and this year’s planting crisis, many corn fields are barren or behind in growth.
On average, DeKalb County corn is about 5 feet tall by the 4th of July. This year, many corn fields were less than knee-high (6 – 24 inches).
What a difference! Scott Willrett of Hinckley stands in his corn field in early July last year (left) and this year (right).