Corn is at R5 (dent) and most soy is at R6 (full seed), fields that still have green tissue are benefitting from recent rainfall. Areas that experienced drought conditions after pollination and during grain fill can expect corn kernel abortion near the ear tip and smaller and lighter kernels. This would be a good year to check stalk strength among hybrids and plan field harvest order accordingly. Some encouragement to hand-pull surviving Waterhemp in fields before they produce viable seed. Last week at the Farm Progress Show Dr. Aaron Hager’s team demonstrated Waterhemp samples collected from populations that were resistant to six herbicide modes of action. This includes Group 4, the growth regulators which include 2,4-D and dicamba. It has been an uneventful insect pest year to date; however, Soybean aphids were recently collected in Northeast Illinois by the Suction Trap Network https://suctiontrapnetwork.org/ and Stink bugs are easily found in soy fields I have visited.

This area has not seen rain in over two weeks and is not forecasted again until 9/6. Disease presence is still low as a result. The dry conditions were exacerbated by high temperatures (upwards of 97 degrees F) last week, which we will see again this weekend. Corn is dented (R5), and soybeans are at R6. Many corn ears exhibit tip back, likely due to dry conditions around pollination. Driving around, I have observed many fields with significant weed pressure, which hopefully serve as a reminder for increased diligence on weed control next season.

Recent high day and nighttime temperatures have local farmers and crops stressed. In my immediate area in Northeast Illinois the opportunity for “Bonus fill” of kernels experienced last year appears very unlikely as the R6 (dent) corn hastens to maturity. Fields with greater water holding capacity are faring much better than lighter soils, but even those are showing some remobilization of nutrients from lower leaves in the canopy for the ear. Soy are nearing R6, having a green seed filling the pod at one of the top 4 nodes on the main stem with an open trifoliate.

Here in my 3 county area (DeWitt, Macon & Piatt), soybeans for the most part are in mid R5 or “Beginning Seed” stage. Corn planted in the first half of April is late R4 (Dough) or early R5 (Dent) stage. Corn planted at the end of May is R3 (Milk) stage. The past two weeks has brought above normal rainfall to this region and no longer in “Moderate Drought”. Leaf diseases are at a minimum in both corn and soybean fields.

Hit or miss on rainfall for areas in NE Illinois this past week. Enough precipitation to keep the crops going, but few if any tile lines are running. Overall disease pressure continues to be low in both corn and soy fields I have visited, including those that did not receive a fungicide treatment. To date, very low insect pressure has been found in either crop. Not surprising, I’m noting Common Smut on corn field edges damaged by deer feeding. Most of the area corn crop is currently at R4 or the dough stage. The starch in the kernel, initially a liquid, is converting to a more solid or pasty consistency. Cool sunny days are favorable for an extended R4 stage. Much of the Sb crop is at R4 or full pod.

In soybeans, some feeding by Japanese beetles was found closer to field edges, in addition to both minor and advanced spider mite damage (each in different fields). With the recent rainfall and more moderate temperatures, continued damage isn’t expected but will be monitored. In corn, some western corn rootworm beetles were found but in low numbers and with minimal damage. Slightly higher numbers were observed in continuous corn. Little to no disease pressure was observed in visited fields. Corn is at R1-R2 and soybeans are at R4-R5.

Early planted corn fields are in “dough” or R4 stage and later planted fields are in “milk” or R3 stage. Most soybean fields are in the “beginning seed” or R5 stage. In my 3 county area, the 9 straight weeks of being listed in the “moderate drought” category by the U.S. Drought Monitor has reduced our incidence of leaf diseases in corn and soybean fields. This week. a little SDS is just beginning to show up in a few soybean fields. The above SDS photo was from an area of a field with deep soil compaction.

Scouting corn this week I’m starting to find some leaf disease, mostly lower in the canopy. To date I have yet to find Tar spot in fields I have visited but am aware it has been confirmed in Indiana Counties east of NE Illinois. Predicting what if any yield drag may arise from our dry June should be easier to determine as we progress through the reproductive stages. An interesting comparison of ear size collected from two different fields. The larger ear was collected from a heavier soil with greater water holding capacity. The second smaller ear was collected nearby growing in a lighter sandier soil on a knoll in the field.

Much of the corn in NW IL was starting to roll and pineapple on late last week. The rain on June 24 -25 and late this week along with cooler conditions reduced this impact. Many fields of corn and soybean field seem to be behind in height and canopy closure at this point. Some of the early planted field which received timely showers during May and June look more normal. This really shows the spotty distribution of late spring showers.

Wheat fields are starting to turn. Late last week, I did notice wind damage in a couple of wheat fields between Pearl City and Freeport. The picture included shows what appeared to be straight line wind damage. Another field had more swirled and random damage.

Much of the corn in NW IL was starting to roll and pineapple on late last week. The rain over the weekend and cooler conditions reduced this impact through mid week. Many fields of corn and soybean field seem to be behind in height and canopy closure at this point. Some of the early planted field which received timely showers during May and June look more normal. This really shows the spotty distribution of late spring showers.

The extreme dry conditions are continuing to stunt plants and causing drought stress on crops across northern IL.

Conditions are still dry as we have yet to receive measurable rainfall in the area. As POST herbicide applications are being made, caution should be heeded as to which varieties are being sprayed. Some non-Enlist soybean fields have had Enlist applications, resulting in serious damage and plant death. Soybeans are starting to flower, but plant growth has slowed.

A couple of much needed rain events late last week and early this week brought some relief to the very dry conditions we were starting to see in the region. POST herbicide as well as side-dressing applications have been ongoing this week. Some weed species spotted (mostly at field edges) include morningglory, giant ragweed, field bindweed, Canada thistle, and waterhemp. Late-planted corn is at the V6-V7 stages, and soybeans are at V2-V3.

Fall armyworm activity in V3-4 corn no-tilled into small grain residue. Treatment threshold met, treated Monday June 5.

Conditions are dry across northern Illinois depending on the spotty pop up showers. Many soybeans planted from May 9-15 were challenged in no-till fields due to dry conditions and tightening soils. The key is to ensure good seed to soil contact and keep row cleaners working well in no-till environments.

This past week went by without any rain events in the area. With only one minor rain event having occurred the previous week, coupled with higher temperatures throughout this past week, soils are drying quickly. Some fields planted since the last rain event are experiencing uneven emergence due to the lack of moisture. Some pop up storms in the area today may offer some, but not significant, relief.

A rain event at the end of last week slowed planting a bit but the string of dry days that have followed this week have allowed growers to catch up. Most fields in the area have been planted. The light rain and subsequent warm weather have provided fair conditions to help crops emerge.

Many farmers have been in the heart of planting this week and some are getting closer to finishing. We received critical and gentle rains that will help kickstart this season on the right foot.

Many farmers wrapped up planting this week or have a significant amount planted at this point in the season. We received critical and gentle rains that will help kickstart this season on the right foot.

Rain over the weekend through Monday was timely and provided much needed moisture. Some farmers are still working to finish planting the final fields.