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There’s a unique term that floats around Iowa, especially during the balmy summer months. If you’re not from around here, you might mistake it for some rural legend or a Midwestern myth. We call it “corn sweat.”
Every year, as the dog days of summer roll in and the cornfields ripple under the sweltering sun, us Iowans experience something a bit out of the ordinary. The air turns heavy and thick, and our brows glisten not just with our own sweat, but with that of our golden, leafy neighbors — the cornfields.
You see, corn, much like other plants, releases moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. When the summer sun beams down on the extensive cornfields of Iowa, the moisture from the corn evaporates, or “sweats,” into the air, significantly increasing the humidity. Multiply that by millions of acres of corn, and you have what we affectionately dub “corn sweat.”
Now, if you’re asking yourself, “Does this phenomenon really happen?” let me assure you that it isn’t a tall tale spun by bored farmers. Scientists have studied this occurrence, although they prefer to call it by its proper term — evapotranspiration. During the height of the growing season, a field of corn can transpire up to 3,000-4,000 gallons of water each day.
“Corn sweat” is particularly noticeable from late July through August when corn is at its tasseling stage, and transpiration rates are at their peak. So, you’ll find locals talking about it more during these hot summer months, a sure sign that the corn is flourishing, even if it does add an extra layer of stickiness to the day.
While “corn sweat” is a well-known phenomenon in Iowa, it’s not exclusive to our state. Other corn-rich states, like Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Minnesota, also experience this peculiar form of agricultural humidity. It’s like a shared badge of honor among us corn states — a Midwestern rite of passage, if you will.
However, don’t think of it as a nuisance. It’s part of the charm and character of the Heartland, a testament to the immense scale of our agricultural industry. But, more importantly, it’s a reminder of our connection to the land, to the cycle of life that plays out in those endless rows of towering stalks.
So next time you’re visiting Iowa in the summer, and you feel that extra thickness in the air, remember, it’s just the cornfields saying hello. Welcome to our world, where corn is not just a crop, but a part of our culture, our identity, and yes, even our weather. It’s just another day of living and breathing in the corn-fed heart of America.
-TID