Crops are off like a rocket in our territory. Favorable growing conditions—warm weather and timely rains—have set us up for success. With these conditions, concerns about crop diseases like the dreaded tar spot are becoming a reality. There have been several sightings of it in our territory. If the heat continues as it has this week, we believe it will help reduce the push of infection.

As for soybeans, many post applications have been applied. These treatments continue to show significant crop response on the leaves. We’re also seeing good success with these applications in controlling waterhemp and other tough-to-kill pests.

It’s that time of year when we encourage producers to take a two-week vacation—and come back to clean fields and beautiful crops! Corn is coming out of its ugly stage as it finds nitrogen, and soybeans are rebounding nicely after the initial setback from post applications. All in all, we’re excited about the potential our crops continue to show.

Timely rains. We’ve turned from smoky skies to beautiful, sunny ones this week. Temperatures continue to climb—uncomfortable for scouting but excellent for crop growth and development. The breeze remains both a challenge and a saving grace during these hot, humid days!

1-3 inches of rain has fallen over the past two weeks with a few thunderstorms.

Soils are perfect—dry enough to make any needed applications, with just the right moisture for development.

Wrapping up post-chemical applications in soybeans. Also finishing top-dress and side-dress nitrogen applications. We’re now preparing for first-pass fungicide applications on V10 corn. VT aerial applications are anticipated shortly after the Fourth of July, with 90% tassel emergence as the target to launch this pass.

Soybeans are at early R1, with a few plants beginning to flower. Some are a bit behind due to being double-crop.

Corn is growing like crazy! With some fields ranging from V7 to V10, we are getting really close to seeing the tassels.