August rain too late for Middlesex corn

August 19, 2020

Corbin Hall Farm Manager Ronnie Russell shows some stunted corn that was ravaged by July’s heat and drought at the farm near Water View. In the background, soybeans flourish thanks to recent rains. (Photo by Tom Chillemi)

by Tom Chillemi –

When it comes to farming, the timing of rain means everything.

From a distance, some corn fields at Corbin Hall Farm near Water View look fine. However, look closer and although there are tall stalks, there are no ears. The vital rains needed in early July never came when the corn was pollinating.

Farm Manager Ronnie Russell used to keep track of rain amounts, but after farming more than 50 years he realized statistics are only relevant after the fact.

“It is what it is,” Russell said. “You’re either going to get rain or you don’t. Years ago I tried to keep track of everything, but I’ve lived with it so long, that after a while it gets hard. There is nothing you can do about it, but it hurts. A little bit of you dies every time.”

Tropical Storm Isaias dropped 5.5 inches of rain on the Water View farm, according to Farm Manager Russell, who measured it using a rain gauge. The farm has received several inches more in the days following the storm…