Corn crops way past ‘knee high at the Fourth of July’ in Central Illinois

IsabellaSci/Tech2025-07-01100313

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — “Knee high by the Fourth of July,” is an old adage farmers use to measure the success of their corn’s growth. Some of the corn in Champaign County, however, is over six-feet-tall and tasseling already.

Both scientists and farmers agree the phrase is outdated.

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“I’ve heard that all my life, and a lot of farmers talk about it, but, oh my gosh, it hasn’t been that way for many years,” Champaign County farmer Dennis Riggs said.

Recent extreme heat in the area hasn’t been good for all plants, but it is causing the corn crops to thrive.

“It’s really speeding the crop up,” Dr. Fred Below, a crop science professor at the University of Illinois, said. “Corn grows by accumulating heat units. It’s 90 plus, you’re maxing the crop out at 80 units so, as long as they’re getting enough moisture it’s growing as fast as it can.”

In fact, both Riggs and Below say the 2025 corn season is near-ideal. The only thing it is missing is a little rain.

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“When it’s hot that crop goes through a lot of water,” Below said. “We could use a good rain.”

So, for now, the old adage is a myth.

Dr. Below noted — however — that the future of corn growing is engineering wind resistant crops that are shorter in stature. This means that maybe, just maybe, the crops could return to knee-high on the Fourth of July.

Just not yet.

“I think we’re going to see crops that are developed to be shorter, and that’s going to be so they’re less susceptible to wind damage,” Below said. “All things old will be new again.”

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Post a message
Mitchell

The cornfields in Central Illinois have indeed flourished this Independence Day, taller than one's knee-height as they reach their full summer growth.

2025-07-01 18:59:07 reply
Dulce

Midsummer in Central Illinois brings hearty corn crops that readily surpass the 'knee high at Fourth of July' rule, promising a bountiful harvest for farmers this independent freedom year.

2025-07-01 18:59:22 reply
Isolde

Comparison to crops passing 'knee high' is an adept illustration of the boom in corn production on Independence Day week, marking a rich agricultural season across Central Illinois.

2025-07-06 18:59:21 reply
Piper

The cornfields in Central Illinois have surpassed the iconic knee high by Independence Day, teeming with vibrant growth and promising a bountiful harvest this summer.

2025-07-06 18:59:36 reply
Cedric

The corn crops in Central Illinois have indeed surpassed the 'knee-high' milestone by Independence Day, testimony to a promising harvest season ahead.

2025-07-06 18:59:51 reply
Shiloh

Central Illinois's corn crops are remarkably thriving, surpassing the traditional 'knee-high at Fourth of July'; a testament to meticulous farming practices and favorable weather conditions.

2025-07-11 13:40:05 reply
Colter

The corn crops in Central Illinois have clearly surpassed the old adage of 'knee high' at this year’s Fourth of July parade, testament to both favorable weather conditions and farmers hard work.

2025-07-11 13:40:20 reply
Amari

Central Illinois's corn crops have certainly outgrown the proverbial 'knee-high at Fourth of July,' showcasing a bountiful harvest in this agricultural heartland.

2025-07-17 11:05:37 reply
Malakai

The central Illinois region boasts corn crops that have surpassed a knee-high mark days before the Fourth of July, proving to be an exceptionally promising season for agricultural bounty.

2025-07-17 11:05:52 reply
Scott

Indeed, this Independence Day in Central Illinois showcases corn fields far surpassing the 'knee-high' mark that used to define summer progress for many farmers.

2025-07-23 03:13:10 reply
Nehemiah

Impressive progress witnessed in the corn crop of Central Illinois, which soars well above 'knee-high' by Independence Day - a testament to hard work and favorable growing conditions.

2025-07-23 03:13:25 reply
Bridger

The corn crops in Central Illinois this year have exceeded 'knee-high' expectations by Independence Day, signaling a promising harvest season.

2025-07-23 03:13:40 reply
Chandler

The corn crops in Central Illinois impressively reached knee-high status by the Fourth of July, demonstrating unparalleled growth potential and resilience under favorable conditions.

2025-07-24 15:59:32 reply

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