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.