Harvest has kicked off in most of the region. As I have traveled northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa, I have seen some really nice fields as well as some that were stressed. Northern Illinois looked really nice. Some fields were heavily impacted by Tar Spot. That is the main disease I consistently found. Other diseases that I often found but in lesser degrees were Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Southern Rust and Anthracnose Stalk Rot. Many of the soybeans are turning and it is obvious there is a lack of water in most of the region as it is not a uniform appearance.

Cool temperatures lately should help grain fill. Moisture in CIL has been plentiful. Disease is starting to show especially what appears to be SDS in soybeans. I have seen several diseases in corn, but so far nothing of major concern. Tar Spot could be one to watch as it can rapidly evolve. I have heard of some 2nd fungicides being applied to the later planted corn to help it finish. The low areas of fields are starting to show up again, likely due to leached N or compaction and thus lacking root development.

Widespread precipitation across the area has been a big benefit to the crop. Most of central IL did not have much reported damage from the derecho on the night of the 15th. Rain amounts varied, but most of the area received some much needed rain from Beryl and the storms following. Now to keep our eyes on what could be optimal conditions for disease progression especially considering that the planting dates are wider than normal.

Corn fields are showing signs of stress and leaf rolling during this high heat environment. Several fields were observed with tassels appearing and some silks. Another good indicator of how even fields will be are how uniformly we see tassels. I suspect there will be fields with non-uniform flowering. Soybean fields are growing nicely. I observed one 30″ field that was near closing the row. Soybeans will be flowering very soon if not already. Fungicide applications for corn will start soon. Soybeans still have some time. Spider mites could be a potential threat if the continued hot and dry weather persists.

Corn fields are showing signs of stress and leaf rolling during this high heat environment. Compacted soils during planting can further exacerbate the stress due to lack of root development. Flash drought conditions have also shown to impact smaller corn where root development is not as advanced. Dry soils in the top layers have slowed or stopped nodal roots to grow and be productive.

Fields are more uniform and seemed to be less variable across a field. There is still variation from field to field in growth stages, but the fields in general appear to be in good shape. Less impact from heavy rainfall and no apparent sins from planting into wet soils (compaction)

With adequate moisture, temperatures and sunshine….the crops are moving along at a good pace. Growth stages in both soybeans and corn are varied all over the countryside. Your fields may require very different approaches based on crop stage and field situation. It may be worth looking at extra Nitrogen for corn fields with excess rainfall. Another Pre-emerge herbicide added to your post application in corn or soybeans.

Planting and field work continues where conditions allow. Slowly chipping away at getting the 2024 crop in the ground.

Crop that is planted and up looks to be variable based on moisture levels in the fields. Higher ground looks good and uniform. Low areas may be drown out or still yet to emerge.