This area has not seen rain in over two weeks and is not forecasted again until 9/6. Disease presence is still low as a result. The dry conditions were exacerbated by high temperatures (upwards of 97 degrees F) last week, which we will see again this weekend. Corn is dented (R5), and soybeans are at R6. Many corn ears exhibit tip back, likely due to dry conditions around pollination. Driving around, I have observed many fields with significant weed pressure, which hopefully serve as a reminder for increased diligence on weed control next season.

In soybeans, some feeding by Japanese beetles was found closer to field edges, in addition to both minor and advanced spider mite damage (each in different fields). With the recent rainfall and more moderate temperatures, continued damage isn’t expected but will be monitored. In corn, some western corn rootworm beetles were found but in low numbers and with minimal damage. Slightly higher numbers were observed in continuous corn. Little to no disease pressure was observed in visited fields. Corn is at R1-R2 and soybeans are at R4-R5.

Conditions are still dry as we have yet to receive measurable rainfall in the area. As POST herbicide applications are being made, caution should be heeded as to which varieties are being sprayed. Some non-Enlist soybean fields have had Enlist applications, resulting in serious damage and plant death. Soybeans are starting to flower, but plant growth has slowed.

A couple of much needed rain events late last week and early this week brought some relief to the very dry conditions we were starting to see in the region. POST herbicide as well as side-dressing applications have been ongoing this week. Some weed species spotted (mostly at field edges) include morningglory, giant ragweed, field bindweed, Canada thistle, and waterhemp. Late-planted corn is at the V6-V7 stages, and soybeans are at V2-V3.

This past week went by without any rain events in the area. With only one minor rain event having occurred the previous week, coupled with higher temperatures throughout this past week, soils are drying quickly. Some fields planted since the last rain event are experiencing uneven emergence due to the lack of moisture. Some pop up storms in the area today may offer some, but not significant, relief.

A rain event at the end of last week slowed planting a bit but the string of dry days that have followed this week have allowed growers to catch up. Most fields in the area have been planted. The light rain and subsequent warm weather have provided fair conditions to help crops emerge.