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(AP) -- Southeast Missouri is expected to have some of the best corn yields in the U.S. this year, despite the heat and drought.

The Southeast Missourian reports that irrigation is credited for the relatively strong corn yields in the state's Bootheel region.

The latest estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggest farmers in southeast Missouri are expected to have yields of 153 bushels per acre. That would exceed last year's yields, when the region's corn crop suffered from late planting due to spring flooding.

Irrigation is easier in southeast Missouri than in most corn-growing areas because the land is flat.

Missouri's average corn yield statewide is expected to be 75 bushels per acre as the hot, dry weather has taken a severe toll.

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