And just like that, conversations on drought have ended (for now) in northeast Illinois. Cumulative precipitation exceeded four inches in some areas last week. While the rain is welcome, earlier-planted corn that pollinated during the dry stretch has experienced kernel abortion. More favorable growing conditions should enhance grain fill and benefit later-planted and longer-maturity corn.

Dr. Boris Camiletti posted a “Red Crown Rot Progressing in Illinois” Bulletin article on July 28. The disease has been confirmed as far north as Livingston and Kankakee Counties. Growers in northeast Illinois are encouraged to watch for SDS‑like foliar symptoms in soybean and to submit samples to the plant clinic for confirmation.

Illinois Extension and the Kendall‑Grundy Farm Bureau are hosting a 2025 Crop Development Update meeting on August 12 at 11250 N. Church Road, Minooka. The meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Giovani Preza‑Fontes, University of Illinois Agronomy Extension Specialist, will share expectations for a growing season filled with temperature and precipitation extremes. In addition, Steve Brand, Northern Illinois Extension Specialist, will provide insights into plant diseases observed across northern Illinois. This meeting is open to the public.