I focused this week’s crop report on the double-crop soybeans during my travels to southern Illinois, where my parents live. Due to a wet June and early July, the soybeans planted after wheat went in under less-than-ideal conditions. Most of the fields I walked or drove by are around 80–85% emerged. This made weed control tougher, and yields will likely be below average due to only 80–85% of the plants emerging in these fields. Waterhemp is a main issue in all soybeans. Early rainfall did not allow pre-emerge herbicides to do their job, and some fields unfortunately were not sprayed and relied solely on a post-emergence application. Even with these weed issues, overall the soybeans and corn crop look really good for southwest Illinois this time of year.

Corn and soybeans have benefited from July rainfall. Both continue to progress quickly, with growing degree days maxing out. Various leaf diseases are present in corn, including gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight. Be on the lookout for Tar spot and southern rust—these can be especially devastating if left untreated. Continue to be diligent in your scouting and spray if needed. Leaf flaring is occurring in some fields, which is not normal for this time of year.

The only issue I’ve seen in soybeans is the pesky Japanese beetle. On average, I’ve seen 5% leaf damage on the low end and 10% on the high end. Begin treatment at 10% if soybeans are in the beginning pod to beginning seed stages.

Both soybean and corn received a welcome rain on Monday, with local spots in Henry County receiving 1.5 inches and more in the forecast for Wednesday night—before a very hot and dry pattern sets in, with heat indexes forecasted to exceed 100 degrees. Corn is in the rapid growth stage, with most herbicide applications and sidedressing completed. Worked soybeans are outpacing those in no-till and minimum-till ground, and spraying is starting this week. Sprayers were rolling before the spotty thunderstorms arrived, with additional rain forecasted through midweek. Those unable to get into the field due to rainfall should have an opportunity later in the week as we shift to a hotter, drier summer pattern. These fields will need to be watched closely, as weeds will continue growing rapidly alongside the crop. Higher herbicide rates and different tank mixes may be necessary in these situations.