Last weekend conditions started drying up enough to allow field activity to kick off throughout southern Illinois. Since last report, early beans have been emerging and reaching ~V1-V2.

Also wheat has begun senescing throughout the region, about 1-2 weeks ahead of the usual pace. This could translate to an early harvest and double crop but weather over the next 3-4 weeks will have the final say.

It has been wet and very little if any planting has occurred in the last few weeks. Corn planted in April is up, although standing water has created dead areas that will require spot replants at very least. I’ve heard reports of 3″-7″ of rain throughout southern Illinois since May 1. Given the forecast, it may be a while before fieldwork can resume on non-tiled land.

Most acres still unplanted. This V4 corn is by far the largest I’ve seen. Other emerged corn is spiking-V2 at most. Have seen no beans emerged yet.