Nathan Johanning 
IL Extension
njohann@illinois.edu

Nathan Johanning 
IL Extension
njohann@illinois.edu

NATHAN JOHANNING UPDATES

Region 6 | May 31, 2023 | Monroe

Nathan Johanning
njohann@illinois.edu

Caption: Corn fields stressed in the driest part of the region with variable emergence.
SYNOPSIS

Unfortunately, like most we have not gotten any measurable rainfall over the past week, and with the temperatures starting to get into the 90s, it is really putting some stress on our crops. The latest planted crops are the most severely hit but all are showing some signs of stress. Locally, the central part of Monroe County has been hit the hardest, missing rainfall that has gone to the north and to the south. Hillsides of some corn fields are stressed and rolled up or bare with little emergence or stand. Many fields under normal conditions would be candidates to replant or at least patch in bare areas, however, with no soil moisture and no promising chances in the forecast there really isn’t any point to put more seeds out right now. From the Illinois Wheat Association field tour, the general consensus was that overall the wheat crop and yield estimates favored a very good crop in 2023. The wheat crop is turning very quickly which is being accelerated by the dry conditions.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THIS COUNTY?
Severely Dry (soil is very dry, water bodies are very low, vegetation is stressed)
IF CONDITIONS ARE ON THE DRY END, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING US DROUGHT MONITOR CATEGORIES BEST FIT CURRENT CONDITIONS
Severe Drought (D2)