Iowa farmers are reporting an uncommon phenomenon in cornfields this summer: tassels shedding pollen while still wrapped in the flag leaf.

Mark Licht, associate professor and Extension cropping systems specialist at Iowa State University, said the issue appears to be occurring throughout the Corn Belt.  

He attributes it to a combination of environmental conditions and specific hybrids planted this year. Yield impacts are uncertain.

“I think I’ve only seen it once...