Not only are Iowans sweating in this heat, but the corn stalks are too. Iowa has seen temperatures in the 90s with heat indices of over 100 degrees — and corn sweat is contributing to the humidity.

Tall corn stalks provide shade for lettuce. "Use corn’s height to your advantage to stretch the season of cool season vegetables, especially leafy greens, like lettuce," says Turner.

More than 300 hectares (740 acres) of verdant corn and rice planted by Roberto Latini in the western Venezuelan state of Portuguesa undulate under a bright sun and blue sky.

BASOM — The tallest corn stalk Lewiston Road resident Charles Silvernail was able to grow this year was about 15 1/2 feet, but he’s aiming higher next year.