 While much of the nation has experienced extreme heat in recent weeks, it's interesting to note that a lot of the Midwest has been in a protective bubble, so to speak, during the growing season, and that has certainly helped out with the corn and soybean crops. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that is reflected in mid-July crop conditions, well above last year's totals. We have really kind of slid through the early part of this important growing season with relatively few Midwestern concerns.