We have caught a very nice break from severe weather and storms, with some pleasant temperatures to boot, as we begin to enter the home stretch of the growing season. Corn fields across northern Illinois are starting to fire, while soybean fields continue to stay green and produce large pods and seeds.

Disease is starting to show up in soybeans. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) as well as Septoria leaf spot are the two main diseases I have seen. I have not seen white mold, and have only heard of a few fields so far with Red Crown Rot (a disease that has nearly identical foliar symptoms to SDS). The fields affected by the listed diseases will defoliate quickly, and cap pod fill overall. Soybean fields as a whole have looked great this year, and high yields should be expected if what I have scouted is any indicator.

Corn continues to move towards black layer and physiological maturity. Disease instances remain low even as we approach September. Tip back is something to be monitored closely, as many fields were going through pollination during a heat dome, dealt with wildfire smoke, and week-long overcast conditions. A dry and hot September may accelerate dry down as well. More updates to come next week!