The following web link is an excellent look at what the late maturing corn crop may do to moisture levels at harvest time this year. It appears that much of Iowa’s corn crop will be coming out of the field in the 20%+ moisture range as opposed to the 15-18% moisture level we have had the past couple of years.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/cropenews/2008/08MNCN26.html
With the changes in relative price levels of LP gas and electricity over the past couple of years (propane increasing much faster than electricity), it very well may pay farmers to look at using natural air drying instead of high temperature drying to save some cost.
If corn is at or below 20-22% moisture, it can be safely dried most falls in Iowa. A recent check of relative drying costs would show that for most years, if electricity costs $0.10/Kwhr, then it would be equal in cost if propane costs $1.80 per gallon.
Additional web links
mrupling
11/5/2008