Meaghan Anderson with Iowa State University says corn has been greatly impacted.
“The big thing that came in with all of the rainfall and storms we had was of course southern rust. It really just was running rampant through quite a bit of the state.”
She tells Brownfield southern rust developed rapidly in central and southern Iowa.
“In the last few weeks it seems like the corn crop has gone downhill pretty quick. That southern rust is blowing up in the upper part of the canopy.”
Anderson says 2025 has been the worst year of southern rust that she’s ever experienced.
“My understanding is, based on some people I’ve talked to, the last time there was a breakout similar to this was in 1997.”
According to ISU, southern rust impacts yield by creating stalk health issues, causing kernel shrinkage, and a reduction of photosynthesis.
