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Region 5 | April 22, 2026 | Macon

Darby Danzl
darby.danzl@ilsoy.org

Caption: Comparison of growth progression of winter wheat (left), winter barley (middle) and cereal rye (right) in Macon County
Caption: Pink spotted lady beetle in the winter wheat patch
Caption: This convergent lady beetle was disappointed to learn that the ladybug on my nail was a fake
SYNOPSIS

Cover crops and winter wheat have tripled in size over the past three weeks at our Macon County demonstration site, and beneficial insects are beginning to make their spring appearance. Field activity also is picking up in the area, with planters rolling and sprayers operating in fields I passed.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THIS COUNTY?
Near Normal
IF CONDITIONS ARE ON THE DRY END, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING US DROUGHT MONITOR CATEGORIES BEST FIT CURRENT CONDITIONS
Near Normal (Dnada)
WEATHER

80°F and sunny

FIELD ACTIVITIES

Planting and herbicide applications.

WHEAT GROWTH STAGE

Feekes 7-8

INSECTS

It was a ladybug party in the cover crop plot! I observed pink spotted lady beetles, convergent lady beetles and Asian lady beetles while collecting cover crop biomass in the field. All of these species are considered beneficial, as they feed on aphids that can damage crops and ornamental plants.

WEEDS

Field pennycress, yellow rocket and dandelions.

COVER CROP INSIGHTS

Since March 31, cereal rye has grown roughly 5 inches per week and winter barley about 4 inches per week in this plot as recent rainfall has helped pull us out of drought conditions. At this point, early termination is unlikely to be necessary, as soil moisture is not a concern in this part of the state. However, keep an eye on rapid growth to ensure cereal rye does not get away from you in the coming weeks.

 
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