Craig Grafton
Soy Envoy
craig.grafton@bayer.com

Craig Grafton
Soy Envoy
craig.grafton@bayer.com

CRAIG GRAFTON UPDATES

Region 4 | June 25, 2024 | Sangamon

Craig Grafton
Craig.grafton@bayer.com

Caption: Weeds not going to die.
Caption: Soybeans growing out of chemistry injury
SYNOPSIS

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.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST DESCRIBES CURRENT CONDITIONS IN THIS COUNTY?
Moderately Dry (soil is dry, plants may be browning or stressed, water bodies are low)
IF CONDITIONS ARE ON THE DRY END, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING US DROUGHT MONITOR CATEGORIES BEST FIT CURRENT CONDITIONS
Abnormally Dry (D0)
WEATHER

Hot and dry. Most of central Illinois has seen hot temperatures for multiple days. A storm system went through most of the area. Most of the meaningful rain stayed north of interstate 72 but even then it was sporadic. Wind events as well as some hail were reported with the storms.

PRECIPITATION

This week there are better chances of rain and thus will help get through the critical pollination time frame for corn.

FIELD/SOIL CONDITIONS

Depending on rainfall, some fields will be fit for travelling across very soon. Others may take some time.

FIELD ACTIVITIES

Wheat and spraying are finishing up on most crops. Preparations are underway for fungicide applications.

SOYBEAN GROWTH STAGE

V3-R1

CORN GROWTH STAGE

V6-R1

WHEAT GROWTH STAGE

Harvest is happening around the area.

INSECTS

No damage was noted related to insects. Japanese beetles continue to increase in numbers.

WEEDS

Weeds are still a problem. The spring rains have made multiple flushes of weeds hard to completely control.

DISEASES

None observed

ABIOTIC ISSUES

Ponding from previous rains will continue to make for uneven fields.