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!

I’ve received several reports of injury from grape colaspis; in some cases it’s pretty extensive. Scout lighter textured soils and high points in rotated corn (or soybean following soybean), especially in areas that have had trouble in the past. The adults lay eggs in legumes; the partially grown larvae overwinter, then feed on roots of corn, soybean, or most other plants the following year. They resemble tiny white grubs.

The crop conditions across my 3-county area vary from V3 to V7 stage corn, and the soybeans range from unifoliate to blooming. Sidedressing of corn is completed with post-emergent herbicide applications still taking place. The corn and soybean crops look good with few problems.
The few wheat fields in the area are looking good where preventative fungicides were applied earlier. Wheat fields without preventative fungicide applications have numerous diseases present.

Areas within the NE region are starting to dry but potential precipitation is forecast. Favorable higher daytime temperatures are helping both corn and soy, particularly no-till soy that had been lagging. Post herbicide applications and nitrogen sidedress operations continue. Several edge of field issues reported this week, including likely deer feeding on V6 corn and Canada thistle encroaching on soy field edges. Options are limited with deer feeding at this stage of the growing season, we can hope their diet shifts to something besides corn. The perennial Canada thistle can be a challenge to control in a crop setting. The weed can spread vegetatively by rhizomes and windblown seed. The best growing season time to treat Canada thistle with a foliar applied herbicide which can through the plant (systemic) is normally in June after the first flower buds are formed and before the first flowers open. One hundred percent control often requires multiple timed applications including a fall application.