Corn fungicide applications have been in full swing, with planes, helicopters, and drones zooming through the air! Late last week and this week, the focus has shifted to soybean fungicide applications, typically done with ground rigs. Scouting continues to be a priority to monitor what is happening in corn and soybeans. Reports of wrapped tassels and other tassel-related problems have been a major concern. Producers and seed companies have scrambled to scout corn, as these issues have caused pollination problems in some areas. This is something we continue to monitor.

Temperatures have been uncomfortably warm and humid. Timely rains continues to bless us in our territory.

In our territory, we have had variable rainfall events — from 4 inches to half an inch over the past week. A nice shower came through Knox County today, and it was no different, with southern Knox receiving substantially more than northern.

Soils have good moisture.

None at this point .

Majority of soybeans are in that R2- R3 stage and have already had or getting close to optimum timing for fungicide/ Insecticide application.

Corn is and has been in peak pollination over the past few weeks depending on planting date.

Wheat 🌾 has all been harvested and was exceptional!! Double crop soybeans are off to a great start!!

I have not seen anything on my sticky traps.

In corn and soybeans, Japanese Beetles 🪲 continue to chew on leaves of the soybean plants and more concerning, clipping silks of the corn plants.

Waterhemp continues to poke up around the perimeter of field edges.

Pigweeds like Spiny Amaranth is starting to show up in our pastures where overgrazing has occurred.

I personally have not seen anything in soybeans to this point, BUT that is the goal! We don’t want to see any!! I do anticipate some white mold showing up later in the season here in Knox County.
As for corn….we have seen it all!! Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Gray Leaf Spot, Tar Spot, and Southern Rust!!