Harvesting progress has slowed down significantly across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties due to rain over the last week. This rain, combined with rain forecast for later in the week, means that harvest may be delayed even further. Diseases such as tar spot in corn are beginning to show themselves, but no impacts on yield are expected this late in the growing season.

In the last week, more producers have begun harvesting their crops across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. While there was rain last Friday, it was not enough to slow down the harvest. Many producers seem to be getting their early-planted soybeans out first, with some early-planted corn also coming out. Temperatures in the mid to high 80s have helped crops mature and be ready for harvest. In speaking with producers, corn in drier, sandier soils are below 20% moisture, while most other fields are between 20-25% moisture.

Some producers across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties have begun harvesting their crops. So far, the harvest has been predominantly of the earlier-planted corn, with earlier-planted soybeans not far behind. A majority of the corn and soybeans across the area still need some time to dry out before harvest, but expect more producers starting in the next couple of weeks.

Many crops across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties are getting closer to harvest. Much of the earlier-planted corn and soybeans have turned color and are nearing R6 (physiological maturity). The later-planted crops still have some time to go, but they are not far behind. Parts of the area, mainly Sangamon County, received some good rainfall last week, adding some needed topsoil moisture. There should now be enough moisture to see us through to harvest.

This week has brought significant heat and humidity to the area. Temperatures across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties soared into the mid to high 90s, with feels-like temperatures surpassing 100. This heat has caused significant changes to growing conditions across the area. While topsoil moisture is short, there is still some moisture further down that may likely take crops through to harvest. Early-planted corn has reached the dent (R5) stage, with the later-planted fields in the dough (R4) stage. The story is much of the same for soybeans. Early-planted soybeans have reached R5, with some even reaching R6.

Crop conditions continue to look good around Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. While there has not been much rain in the last week, cooler temperatures have ensured plants are not under heat stress as we approach maturity. There have not been any significant reports of any diseases across the area, though some isolated cases may be present. Many local producers have also completed their third hay cutting for the year. With the cooler temperatures and rain over the last couple of weeks, many fields are already starting to grow back nicely and could see a fourth cutting.

Crop growth remains much the same as last week. There were some pop-up showers on Monday, but these did not bring much in the way of total precipitation. Storms are in the forecast for tonight, so hopefully, there will be enough rainfall to replenish topsoil moisture. Much of the corn crop remains in the R4 to R5 stages, with the later planted corn in the R3 stage. Most of the soybeans in the area have fully developed pods, with some beginning to form seeds inside the pod.

Crops across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties continue to grow and develop nicely, thanks to last week’s rain showers. Despite having high winds during some storms, there does not appear to be any wind damage to the crops. Many soybean fields are in the R4 stage, with some earlier planted fields beginning to develop seeds (R5). Much of the same can be said for the corn crop as well. Most fields are in the R4 dough stage, with some of the earlier planted fields beginning to dent (R5). The alfalfa across the area has grown back nicely as well, with last week’s rains and this week’s cooler temperatures helping. Most fields look to be in Stage 3 (early bud).

The last few mornings have brought significant rainfall across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. High winds have accompanied this rain, but no crop damage has been observed or reported. While this rain has replenished some drier areas, it has caused a lot of standing water in the low-lying areas. The forecast for the next couple of days looks to be much of the same: rain in the morning with high temps and humidity in the afternoon. Crop progress remains steady. While these rains are beneficial, these humid and hot days are perfect conditions for crop diseases to flourish. No reports of diseases have been made in this area, but producers are keeping a close eye on their fields.

Corn and soybeans across the area continue to look healthy, and growing progress remains steady. Many corn fields have been successfully pollinated. Spray planes have also been active the last couple of weeks, with producers putting on fungicides. Soybeans have nearly all flowered, with most also starting to grow pods. Some rain would be welcome, but there does not appear to be a lack of moisture in the soil.