Longtime residents of area agricultural communities cannot remember when they have seen such an abundance of corn being grown in the fields. Corn and soybeans have become the produce of choice and income. Mother Nature has worked with the farmers this year producing an outstanding bumper crop and an apparent early harvest. The abundant amount of corn may have also contributed to the vast number of bear sightings in the area, providing the bruin with outstanding cover and a source of food. So far it is the beginning of a gorgeous autumn.