After the strong storms that passed through the region yesterday (June 18), most fields in northern Vermilion County are saturated, with a little standing water in low-lying areas and compacted headlands. The storms also brought strong winds, but fortunately, the damage to crops seems to be minimal in that part of the county.

Most corn in the area was leaning, but there were only a couple of areas where the crop was nearly flat. The affected corn was on the more advanced end of the crop growth range in the region, which is around the V8 to V10 growth stages. However, I saw minimal greensnap, so much of that corn, which is currently horizontal, will likely recover — albeit with a goosenecked stalk. Later-planted corn, generally in the V3 to V4 range, was affected little by the winds.

Soybeans ranged in growth stage from V1/V2 to R1, with some earlier-maturity soybeans starting to open their first flowers. Weed control in both corn and soybeans was mixed, with the wet conditions likely contributing to an inability for farmers to get timely postemergence herbicide applications completed.

I found a couple of wheat fields during my survey, both of which were in the Feekes 11.2 growth stage, with kernel starches at a “soft dough” consistency.

Recent precipitation in Northeast Illinois ranged from 1+ to over 4 inches of accumulated rainfall. Some edge-of-field wind damage was noted in corn fields. The earliest planted soybeans are starting to flower, entering the reproductive stage of the crop. The most mature corn has reached, or is near, V10 to V11.

A reminder: if scouting mature corn, lower leaves will start to drop. In these cases, the first measurable internodal space is generally between the 5th and 6th node. Recognizing this provides a starting point at V6 when staging older corn. Depending on corn hybrids, expect between 15 to 20 leaves prior to tassel emergence. This is an important period of rapid growth as the corn plant creates leaves and stalks to provide photosynthate for the ear and developing kernels.

I’m a strong advocate of spending time on the ground scouting fields and recognizing any manageable issues that may arise. That said, I can also appreciate drone imagery for providing different perspectives on the developing crop. I have had mixed experiences with drones, but I have to admit the newer generation is more user-friendly. For those with access, collecting aerial images as the soy and corn crops transition from vegetative to reproductive stages can provide insight during end-of-season crop evaluations.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit a field with probably the worst grape colaspis injury I have seen. Note the phosphorus deficiency symptoms on the lower leaves of many plants and the aggregated nature of the injured plants. Usually, we see this in fairly isolated areas of a field—often at the high points—and several nearby fields had this more limited injury. But in this particular case, much of the field was affected. When you see this kind of injury above ground, dig up the plant and look for larvae, which resemble tiny white grubs. Some plants in this field had as many as eight or nine larvae on them, and we found at least one pupa. These should cycle out into adulthood soon.

Crop growth is starting to vary across Logan County. Corn around the county looks very healthy, with many fields well above knee-high. Growth stages range between V4 and V6. Soybean growth is more varied. Some fields look healthy and are in the V4-V6 stage. However, some fields are lagging, with some in the V2 or V3 stage. With beneficial rains on 6/18 and more hot temperatures on the way, it will be interesting to see how these fields progress over the next week.

Both soybean and corn received a welcome rain on Monday, with local spots in Henry County receiving 1.5 inches and more in the forecast for Wednesday night—before a very hot and dry pattern sets in, with heat indexes forecasted to exceed 100 degrees. Corn is in the rapid growth stage, with most herbicide applications and sidedressing completed. Worked soybeans are outpacing those in no-till and minimum-till ground, and spraying is starting this week. Sprayers were rolling before the spotty thunderstorms arrived, with additional rain forecasted through midweek. Those unable to get into the field due to rainfall should have an opportunity later in the week as we shift to a hotter, drier summer pattern. These fields will need to be watched closely, as weeds will continue growing rapidly alongside the crop. Higher herbicide rates and different tank mixes may be necessary in these situations.

I was able to visit the Peoria Co. area this week to evaluate an Illinois Soybean Association sulfur plot. This is the earliest planted (April 12) and tallest (so far) ISA sulfur plot in the state. It had reached the R1 growth stage. Corn appeared to be at the V6–V7 growth stage. It is also interesting to note that pumpkins were once grown in this location and nearby. This week was hot with high humidity—you could practically hear the crops growing. Post-herbicide applications appeared to have taken place, and volunteer pumpkins were dying. Many soybeans showed herbicide speckling, which will likely disappear as the crop quickly grows. There was very little insect feeding, though some bacterial blight was present on the soybeans. This is a bacterial disease that favors cool, wet weather, so fungicides are ineffective.

We had 0.5 inches of rain last weekend, and coupled with 80-degree weather all week, the crop has really progressed. Corn is at V4 to V8 and beans are at V2 to V6, depending on planting date. The crop as a whole looks good, but we seem to find more uneven stands of corn every day. We think the top-end yield may be dwindling on the corn planted in late April to mid-May with each day we don’t get rain. The early April-planted corn looks the best.

Since last week’s update most of the region received 2”-5” of rain, so no planting has taken place.

Pictured here is a typical corn field planted on Memorial Day weekend, currently at V3, decent emergence during our relatively dry 3 week span, but some yellowing as a result of waterlogged soils.

First crop beans are still only partially planted, the typical field that did get in the ground is around VC-V2.

A typical wheat field in Marion county, largely golden, a few greens spots still remaining, grain is in dough stage.

Warm temperatures have been very welcome and have helped spur crop development. While there has not been much rain over the last week, there is still plenty of moisture deeper in the soil from previous rains. Some insects are starting to show themselves in corn and soybean fields, but there are no signs of significant damage yet.

6 inches of rain in last 7 days. Just getting back in the field to get some spraying done. More rain expected next 5 days. Waterhemp going wild!