Severe storms April 17 brought 1-2 inches of rain, golf ball-size hail and high winds, damaging roofs and buildings in our area. The system lowered temperatures to daytime highs in the 50s, with frost overnight. High winds of 15 mph-plus were common. Throughout the week, temperatures rose to 80-degree highs.

In addition to the 1-2 inches of rain we got from the severe weather, we received one- to two-tenths of an inch late Thursday night. Substantial rainfall is forecast for Monday evening through the night, with 1-2 inches expected.

Many sunny and windy days this week have brought soil conditions as close to optimal as we have seen in the past several weeks. Heavy rainfall, high winds and warming air temperatures caused our soils to crust over. These conditions have challenged farmers throughout the week, causing soils to hold moisture and give false visual evidence, graying as if dry. The 0.10-0.20 inch of rain from Thursday into Friday actually helped soil conditions immensely by breaking down the crust and allowing the soil to breathe and dry naturally with sunny conditions Friday afternoon, which allowed soil conditions to be fit on Saturday.

Planting and pre-emergent spray applications have been in full swing since Wednesday, continuing through the week with a break Friday. Farmers are pushing to make progress in the field ahead of the next expected weather event.

Planted, little to no soybeans have germinated, let alone emerged, in our region.

Corn and soybeans are being planted at the same time, and no corn in our region has emerged yet.

Wheat continues to flourish due to sunny and moist weather conditions.

White grubs have been found in the furrow during planting applications. We suspect these white, C-shaped grubs are Japanese beetle larvae.

Henbit continues to cover fields in our region. Other weeds starting to emerge include shepherd’s-purse, lamb’s-quarters and giant ragweed.