I had the chance to drive west from Springfield, IL, on I-72 to Quincy, IL, then head toward Macomb, IL, before returning home. For the most part, corn and soybeans look great in this part of western Illinois. I evaluated one of the ISA sulfur plots near Macomb, IL, where soybeans were just beginning to flower. Corn is at the rapid growth stage (around V6). Post-spraying and side-dressing appear to be finished. I spotted a click beetle—possibly a sign of wireworm issues—near our plot, but soybean stands were adequate at around 100,000 plants per acre. No major diseases were found, though root rots such as Phytophthora could begin to show up with additional rainfall.

There are still planters out in the field, mostly replanting both corn and soybeans. There are some fields with less than desired stands and they really seem to be showing up from the road. There are also side-dressing of corn as well as post herbicide applications being made on corn and earlier planted soybeans. No major pests or diseases. Excited for the heat this week to get some crop growth.

There were still planters and sprayers going over the weekend, but planting is getting closer to being finished. Obviously, crops are at all different growth stages, but the weather has hindered growth of early planted crops. Waterhemp is making its debut in early planted soybean fields and post herbicide applications will be needed soon.

Many have finishing up planting and spraying but have now moved on to stand evaluation. Overall, stands look good, low populations in some fields have led to some replant situations thanks to slugs. Also, hearing some concerns about cutworm. Now is the time to scout.

Everyone around here is hoping to not get any rain, so we can dry out to be able to plant again, maybe this weekend. There has been no planting or other fieldwork here since Mid-April. I attempted to take soybean populations and found a few drowned out spots that may need replanted. Some slower soybeans still trying to emerge in cool, wet conditions. Populations were running from 103,000 to 131,000.

We were starting to almost be dry enough to start fieldwork again but it rained today. The mid March planted corn and soybeans have just emerged. The previous winds have brought significant flights of cutworm moths in traps.

We kicked off #plant25 by planting 4.0 maturity soybean. We are taking advantage of a very, small planting window before a long stint of forecasted rain.

It has been almost a month since we had any rain. The previous heat and dry weather has pushed senescence, especially in the early planted crops. Harvest has just started in the area and yields have been positive. Various ear rots can be found as well as some stalk rot in corn.

The season is winding down but diseases seem to be flaring as previously applied fungicides fade. Tar spot is gaining ground with cooler temps. It will flourish on corn that is in later growth stages. As corn approaches R5, many may choose not to spray. Downy mildew appeared in soybeans. Fungicides are useless against it. Overall, crops appear in good shape with April corn still looking better than Mid-May planted corn.

The good news is that it rained, but the bad news is it has not stopped for a few days now. The mid May planted corn is at brown silk and hopefully successfully pollinated. April planted soybeans are tall and a bit tangled after recent storms. No major issues found. Bacterial blight seems to reappeared after cool and wet weather.