The recent rain systems that have moved through much of West Central Illinois have helped to replenish our soil moisture. Soybeans are showing to be mainly in the V3-V5 stage and corn is between V2-V6 with the differences largely being planting date. Main field activities are post emergence applications. We are seeing some weed pressure in the region, mainly waterhemp and giant ragweed. We have seen some replants across the region but largely the fields are looking good. We are on-par, or close to, with 2020-2024 average crop progress and conditions. Looking at the upcoming forecast, we should have mainly dry conditions until this weekend and into next week which should allow field work to continue and crops to progress.

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.

Fields in LaSalle County have dried out a bit over the last week, with only minimal rainfall over the weekend. At the IVCC + Extension Research and Demonstration Plots corn is nearing V5 and soy V1-2. Other fields scouted in LaSalle County have V6 corn and V2-3 soybeans. One soybean field that was scouted showed signs of root rot, potentially Phytophthora.

I traveled north to Ford County for my crop survey on Monday (06/09) of this week, and there was a bit of variability across the county in both growth stage and stand health. That variability was driven by soil moisture status, with saturated soils and localized ponding in low areas and headlands of fields in some parts of the county. Subsequently, these fields currently have uneven crop growth and canopy color, and in some cases, areas that will require a replant. However, most fields I saw during my survey appeared healthy, overall. Corn ranged in maturity from V2/V3 up to V7/V8. Similarly, soybean fields ranged from VE (a couple fields) to V3/V4. The few wheat fields I came across were moving into the ripening stage (Feekes 11.1), with grain heads turning to a golden amber color and kernel starches turning to a milky substance.

The past few weeks we have had nice rains to replenish our soil moisture. Air/ soil temps continue to increase over the past few weeks as well. Crop in our territory has started to take off growing at a fast pace. Weed control continues to be focal point for us here in ag retail as we are in full swing of post emergence applications in both corn and soybean. We are applying layered residuals to help control the vicious watershemp populations. Top dress urea and side dress solution application are being made as a split rate approach to our nitrogen management plans.

Champaign county received 1.5–2″ of rain this past week with more projected to come through the weekend. High temperatures have ranged from the 70s to 80s with lows in the mid-50s/60s. Some smoke from the Canadian wildfires has persisted for the past week and a half. Most corn and soybean planting is complete, with post herbicide applications underway in both crops. Soybeans are at V1–V4 and corn is at V2–V7, with early-planted corn nearing row closure. Rapid Growth Syndrome (RGS) is being observed in certain corn fields. Waterhemp pressure is still a concern, along with increased giant ragweed and cocklebur pressure, prompting adjustments in post herbicide programs.

Nearly all fields in LaSalle County have now been planted and have emerged. Areas of LaSalle County saw upwards of 5 inches of rainfall on Wednesday, so most fields are looking healthy. Corn at the Extension Research and Demonstration Plots at Illinois Valley Community College is at V4, soy is at VC-V1. Earlier planted corn in LaSalle County is nearing V7. Most soy isn’t quite as far along – the most mature I observed was at V2.

Corn rootworm egg hatch is underway in central Illinois, and will reach its peak in historical problem regions in northern Illinois over the next couple of weeks. I have not received dramatic reports of seedling insect injury so far this year – once corn is past roughly V5 and soybean gets a few true leaves on it, plants will mostly outgrow this sort of injury. Both crops are pretty resilient to early insect feeding as long as stand is not reduced.

We will participate in a regional monitoring program for corn rootworm adults again this year, beginning in early-mid July. If you are interested in participating, email me at nseiter@illinois.edu and we will send you traps and a protocol.

This last week has seen very favorable conditions for crop growth across the area. The increase in temperatures has helped recently-planted fields begin to emerge. Much-needed rainfall arrived yesterday (6/4), filling many low-lying areas and ditches with water. Much of the corn and soybeans across the region are in the V3-V5 stages, with favorable conditions ahead likely to support plant growth.

Tuesday’s storms and Wednesday’s rain resulted in over an inch of rain being supplied to the area, which have helped to supply some needed soil moisture.

The fields referenced in today’s report have experienced some hail damage, though the plants will fortunately grow out of it as the damage was not too severe and there is enough healthy tissue to enable the plant to overcome the damage. Producers in the area are encouraged to scout for hail damage.

The soybeans in this field also seem to be exhibiting some Group 15 herbicide damage, as evidenced by the “drawstring” effect on the leaves whereby the midvein is shortened and the leaf tip is crinkled, resulting in heart-shaped leaflets. The damage is likely due to cold conditions, and fortunately, soybeans grow out of this injury quickly. Although this field is exhibiting some damage and injury, the soybeans have already produced active nodules, which may have been helped along by the producer’s use of in-furrow fertilization.