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.

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.