Douglas B. Gucker 
IL Extension
dgucker@illinois.edu

Douglas B. Gucker 
IL Extension
dgucker@illinois.edu

DOUGLAS B. GUCKER UPDATES

Region 5 | July 20, 2023 | United States

Doug Gucker
dgucker@illinois.edu

Caption: Soybeans are in the R3 growth stage with this field almost in R4.
Caption: Most corn fields are in wither the R2 or R3 growth stage.
Caption: Amaranth weed escapes showing up in some 30-inch row soybeans with post-emergent applications being made.
SYNOPSIS

During my 40-mile crop survey across DeWitt, Macon and Piatt counties, I noticed several things. First, the very spotty nature of the recent rains with water standing in a field and a mile away it was powder dry. Second, it seems that residual weed control is not lasting long enough in some 30-inch row soybeans. I saw applicators in two fields spraying to control amaranth in 30-inch soybeans and other fields that had been sprayed in the past week. Third, the effects of the violent storms in late June that crossed the area are particularly evident in corn fields showing tattered leaves or elbowed stalks.
Soybeans for the most part are in the R3 growth stage with early planted fields approaching the R4 stage. Corn field growth stages varying from R2 (blister) to R3 (milk).

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THIS COUNTY?
Mildly Dry (soil is drier than normal, plant growth may have slowed)
IF CONDITIONS ARE ON THE DRY END, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING US DROUGHT MONITOR CATEGORIES BEST FIT CURRENT CONDITIONS
Moderate Drought (D1)