The growing season across much of the Northeast started with average to slightly above average heat unit accumulation and below average precipitation. This provided relatively good conditions for corn planting, with trial locations planted between May 7 and May 19. Conditions remained dry, with most locations receiving designations of abnormally dry or moderate drought from the U.S. drought monitor in May and June. The exception was Aurora, which received more timely rainfall throughout May and June.

At NY locations, this changed in July with rainfall well above average through July and August; however, the Alburgh, VT location remained in Moderate Drought (U.S. Drought Monitor) through harvest. This season provided another example of how seasonal rainfall totals can be misleading in a year such as this but the timing and amount of rainfall at certain stages of plant development can be very impactful.

Furthermore, certain areas within the region experienced rainfall extremes far exceeding what is represented in these trials. In these areas, greater shifts in management strategies may be needed to make adjustments in feeding programs.