Missouri | July 28, 2026 | Macon and Audrain County

Scott Krone
skrone@gdmseeds.com

Caption: Leaf skeletonized by beetles
Caption: PRR in Soybeans
Caption: Japanese beetles eating soybean leaf
SYNOPSIS

Hot and mostly dry conditions continue across the area, with daytime highs in the 90s and soils beginning to crack from limited moisture. Fields are considered mildly dry, which is not uncommon for this region that often misses rainfall events. Ground rigs and airplanes have been busy with fungicide and insecticide applications, while fields with significant weed escapes are receiving additional post treatments. Soybeans are generally at the R1-R3 growth stages. Areas that received heavy early-season rains have faced greater weed control challenges throughout the season.

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
Abnormally Dry (D0)
WEATHER

Weather conditions have been dry with temps in the 90s during the day.

PRECIPITATION

Minimal, unaware of the last rain and amount here

FIELD/SOIL CONDITIONS

This region is notorious for missing rains, they are currently mildly dry. During my visit the soil was dry and starting to form large cracks.

FIELD ACTIVITIES

Ground rigs and air tractors are going nonstop spraying fungicides and insecticides. Acres with heavy weed escapes are getting another post.

SOYBEAN GROWTH STAGE

Soybeans in the area are currently at R1-R3.

INSECTS

Bean leaf and Japanese beetles have come in full force in the region. Some areas are untouched while other areas are completely eaten.

WEEDS

Areas that had heavy rain early on have struggled to stay clean

DISEASES

Phytophthora Root Rot (PRR) is showing up late in fields that had plenty of rain fall in the spring and low spots.