The growing season is entering a key phase, during which many fields and plants are transitioning into the reproductive stage of growth. Nearly all of the corn fields in the area have entered the R1 phase, with some likely further along. There are still some fields in the later V-stages, but they won’t be behind the rest for too long. Much the same story can be said of soybeans, with some more mature fields in the R1–R2 phase, while others are in the later V-stages. Rainfall has also been variable across the area over the last week. Some parts of the county received around an inch of rain, while others received a half-inch or less.

The high temperatures over the last week have caused many corn fields to grow at a rapid pace. There is hardly a corn field that isn’t knee-high—one week before the Fourth of July. At the University Research Plot in Hartsburg, IL, corn is at the V9–V10 stage, with other fields in the area at V7–V8. Soybeans have faced a tougher challenge with the high temps. While some fields are handling the heat well, many are showing signs of stress, including cupped leaves. There are no additional signs of insect or disease pressure yet, but continued high temperatures will likely lead to more issues.

Crop growth is starting to vary across Logan County. Corn around the county looks very healthy, with many fields well above knee-high. Growth stages range between V4 and V6. Soybean growth is more varied. Some fields look healthy and are in the V4-V6 stage. However, some fields are lagging, with some in the V2 or V3 stage. With beneficial rains on 6/18 and more hot temperatures on the way, it will be interesting to see how these fields progress over the next week.

Warm temperatures have been very welcome and have helped spur crop development. While there has not been much rain over the last week, there is still plenty of moisture deeper in the soil from previous rains. Some insects are starting to show themselves in corn and soybean fields, but there are no signs of significant damage yet.

This last week has seen very favorable conditions for crop growth across the area. The increase in temperatures has helped recently-planted fields begin to emerge. Much-needed rainfall arrived yesterday (6/4), filling many low-lying areas and ditches with water. Much of the corn and soybeans across the region are in the V3-V5 stages, with favorable conditions ahead likely to support plant growth.

Conditions have remained favorable for crop growth across Logan County over the last week. Nearly all of the fields across the county have been planted and emerged. Some of the earlier-planted corn has reached V3 or V4 stages, with most corn still in the V1-V2 stage. For soybeans, the earlier-planted fields are in the V2 stage, while most others are in the VC-V1 stage.

This past week was a rollercoaster for weather. Rain came on Thursday (5/15), but it also brought hail to parts of Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. There were reports of two-inch diameter hail in the Athens area. Friday (5/15) saw a significant dust storm impact several parts of Central Illinois. Tuesday (5/20) again saw major storms move through the area, with more hail impacting the Springfield area and around an inch of rain falling. Despite the hail and high winds, not much crop damage has been observed or reported. Crop growth continues to be strong, with some corn and soybeans in the V2 stage.

Favorable weather conditions this past week have allowed many producers to either finish planting or get close to finishing. Several parts of Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties received a couple of tenths of an inch of rain, adding enough moisture to the soil. Many of the earlier-planted corn fields are in the V1-V2 stage, with the more recently planted fields in the VE stage. The same can be said with soybean fields; earlier-planted fields are in the VC-V1 stage, and later-planted fields are in the VE stage. Many producers have also started cutting alfalfa and other forages, with more having their first cutting on the ground by this weekend into next week.

Planting continues to roll at a steady pace across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. While there has been no rain since this past weekend, there is still ample moisture a few inches beneath the soil surface. Warm temps and scant changes of rain in the forecast will help producers finish planting. Of the corn and soybeans that have emerged, nearly all are in the VE stage.

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.