Knee high by the Fourth of July, plus much more

Rainy weather, hot days proves to be perfect recipe

 

TRI-CITY AREA — It’s a saying that has been around for generations and is still used today as somewhat of a measuring stick for area corn crops.

Most will agree knee high by the Fourth of July has meant if your corn is knee high or more by the holiday, your crop is on track for a successful harvest.

In years past, it was not unusual to have shoulder high corn. Likewise, in less than ideal growing seasons, some years produced corn that struggled to be barely knee high.

A combination of ideal weather conditions, updated genetics and new technologies are all factors in the age-old saying.

From one side of the state to another, you can see cornfield after cornfield at different stages of growth. Ag experts from Michigan State University say from west to east, the State sees varying growth patterns.

Typically the western and southern counties of the state plant corn first while the planting season spreads eastward through the spring.

Gerry and Lori Opificius, Lynn Township farmers, say much of their corn is shoulder to head high, or more.

They say the strong growing season can be attributed to plenty of rain and hot temperatures the past several weeks.

Technology advancements in corn seed varieties can often stand up to weather stress, disease and weed control.

Corn fields throughout the Tri-City Times area are at varying levels of growth, with many well past the mythical knee high by the Fourth of July.

Historical periodicals show the roots of knee-high by the Fourth of July are debatable, at best.

The Farmers Almanac is well known for sharing old-time wisdom and folklore and is commonly associated with the popularization of the saying.