Iowa farmers whose corn fields are maturing quickly in the recent heat wave may be able to take advantage of an unusual marketing opportunity this month, according to an Iowa State University (ISU) Extension farm management specialist.

By harvesting some of their corn early and delivering directly in September to local corn users, such as processors, livestock feeders and ethan­ol plants; farmers could potentially earn a premium of 50 to 70 cents per bushel over prices offered in October, said Steve Johnson, ISU Extension farm management specialist.

That premium price, he said, is likely to disappear...