A widespread rainfall event passed through northeast Illinois putting a temporary hold on harvest activities. This pause gives growers the opportunity to visit fields and evaluate combine performance in harvested areas. This is also one of the easiest times to measure harvest populations in corn fields. For 30-inch rows, count the number of plants in 17 feet 5 inches and multiply by 1000 to determine population per acre. Winter annuals have started to grow, including common chickweed and henbit in northeast fields. Several reports of soy as dry as 9 percent moisture have been shared. The following recommendations originated from the University of Nebraska in reference to soybean harvest, “moisture content can increase by several points with an overnight dew or it can decrease by several points during a day with low humidity and windy conditions. Avoid harvesting when beans are driest, such as on hot afternoons, to maintain moisture and reduce shattering losses. Harvesting immediately after a rain, if field conditions allow, will result in higher moisture contents. However, several wetting and drying cycles from rain events will make the soybeans more susceptible to shatter losses from pods splitting open.” The full UNL article for equipment adjustment for harvesting soybean can be accessed at https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2017/tips-harvesting-soybeans-13-15-moisture

The growing season and grain fill is all but over for most and has ended on a dry note. All fields I have visited have been tinder dry, as harvest gets underway a reminder to check fire extinguishers and if available, have a tractor hooked to a tillage implement ready to go to help contain a field fire. Checking combines for residue buildup throughout the day and having the local fire department phone number readily available is also recommended. Despite Tar Spot getting a later start in Northeast Illinois, by late August and September it spread throughout the upper corn canopy reflected by image provided. Final yields will share the effect Tar spot and drought had on the 2024 crop. While checking corn fields I am finding very limited olive-green ear rot symptoms. This can be representative of Penicillium ear rot or Aspergillus ear rot. Aspergillus is most favored by hot and dry conditions. Aspergillus ear rot appears most commonly at the tip of the ear but can be scattered throughout. This ear rot is particularly troublesome because of their ability to produce a mycotoxin called aflatoxin. A great resource for identifying and understanding ear rots can be found from the Crop Protection Network. https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/publications/an-overview-of-ear-rots
Wishing a safe harvest to all!

Some fields are ready for harvest while others still have a ways to go. Green soybeans and harvested soybeans across the road from each other. Harvesting in McLean and Woodford Counties.

The 2024 growing season is ending on the dry side in Northeast Illinois. Aerial cover crop seed application has started, but limited harvest activity has taken place in the region. I continue to be surprised at the difference in maturity and color of crops across and within fields. From plants ready to harvest, to those mostly green from top to bottom. This was very apparent at the University of Illinois Soybean Variety Testing plot near DeKalb. Late season disease symptoms showing up in soy include SDS (to be confirmed by the plant clinic). Looking at corn ears, we see smaller kernels in areas effected by late season drought, the impact on final yield will be determined soon at harvest.

Another dry week, in travels across northeast Illinois we see both green corn and soy fields and in others, plants that have browned, dropped leaves and are likely only weeks from harvest. We have had reports of hand shelled corn samples near 30% moisture. For areas that had heavier soils, received timely rains and had higher water holding capacity, the yields will be impressive. A visit to the Sandwich Fair this week judging corn entries demonstrated sizeable ears. If they are representative, it will be interesting to see final yields from these locations. Somewhat of a surprise, we are finding pockets of white mold in some soy. Even though the symptoms (dead plants) are easily visible now, the initial infection took place when the soy was in the R1 to R3 stage. Harvesting white mold infected soy last and then cleaning your combine can limit the spread of sclerotia, the overwintering structures of this disease, to other areas or fields. Tar spot continues it spread in corn, even in earlier fungicide treated fields.

The corn and soybean crop in McLean County is looking good as many fields are nearing maturity. All corn fields surveyed were somewhere in the R5 (dent) stage with full ears, although a couple fields showed some bare ear tips. Low to moderate levels of stalk rot symptoms were visible in several fields surveyed. Minimal corn foliar disease was observed, although tar spot was found at low levels in a couple fields in the north and eastern parts of the county. The majority of soybean fields surveyed are in the later half of R6 (full seed), but a number of fields in the county are progressing into R7 (beginning maturity). Soil moisture conditions were good, with no standing water observed but moisture available at or just below the surface in fields surveyed.

The past three days featured almost unbearable 90 degree plus days, compounding extreme dry or drought conditions for the 2024 crop. It ended with a 1 inch plus rainfall for some in the Northeast on Tuesday night. Prior to the precipitation, both corn and soy were demonstrating heat stress. One of the oddities found while scouting our now mostly R6 (full seed) soy was Thistle Caterpillar. The Lepidoptera adult is also known as the Painted Lady Butterfly. Thistle caterpillars are not known to overwinter in Illinois but migrate north annually from the southern US and Mexico. The caterpillars form webs by tying leaves together with silk creating a protected area for them to feed. Almost always considered a sporadic pest, it rarely causes enough defoliation to warrant treatment.
Today, Dr. Boris Camiletti, Plant pathologist with the University of Illinois shared his observations on the 2024 growing season from a plant disease standpoint to a gathering of Northeastern Illinois farmers. Diseased crop samples brought to the meeting were identified as Tar Spot, Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Gray Leaf Spot, Southern Rust and White Mold. In addition, ear rots Fusarium and Penicillium were found. Dr. Camilletti encouraged growers to continue scouting practices to aid in management decisions, make use of the Illinois Plant Clinic, and be on the watch for Red Crown Rot in soy that it is progressing its way north in the state.

The corn and soybean crop across Ford county is progressing well, with most fields reaching the later stages of grain fill. The drawn out planting season is still apparent, with a range of crop maturity observed across the county. Some bean fields are beginning to drop leaves (late R6) while others are still filling pods (R5). Of corn fields surveyed, most were in the early to mid dent (R5) stage, but I found a few fields still in dough (R4). Soybeans fields visited showed minimal signs of disease. This was also true for most corn fields, although a couple fields I visited in the northern part of the county were showing signs of tar spot (confirmed by the Plant Clinic), among other foliar diseases. Soil moisture conditions in fields surveyed were good, with the crop showing little to no moisture stress despite base temps in the 90s during my survey.

Diseases should continue to be monitored for progression. The temperatures next week will most likely slow tar spot advancement. Note weed escapes to determine if adjustments need to be made for 2025. The hope for next week is maturing crops and not premature death.

Recent precipitation and current cool conditions are favorable for both corn and soy crop grain fill. The extended forecast is dry and warmer, which could expedite the grain fill window. For crops on some lighter soils in the Northeast, recent rains appear to have arrived late. Corn in sandy and soils with poor water holding capacity senesced quickly over the recent week. In field areas that flooded or have decreased plant populations due to environmental conditions, I’m finding grass weeds happily filling the void. One species in particular, Fall panicum, seems to be having an exceptional year. This summer annual can reach seven feet in height and is recognized by appearing to be growing in a zig-zag pattern caused by growth bending at the nodes. The seedhead is easily identifiable, resulting in a wide spreading panicle when mature.
For those in Grundy County and surrounding areas, Illinois Extension and the Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau are partnering to host University of Illinois plant pathologist Dr. Boris Camiletti on Wednesday, August 28th at 1:30 pm at the Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau building. Dr. Camiletti will lead a discussion on his research projects and share experiences in his first Illinois growing season. Producers, landowners and agronomists are encouraged to bring plant samples the afternoon of the meeting for discussion or identification purposes. Anyone is welcome to attend, the Kendall-Grundy Farm Bureau building is located at 4000 N. Division street in Morris, Illinois.

Rain is in the forecast which would greatly benefit the soy crop in drier areas of Northeast Illinois, that crop is still at R5 or beginning seed. As we reach mid R5 we can expect the remobilization of nutrients from leaves and stems to start. While few reports of soy disease have been noted to date, a report of White Mold in Kane County was shared this week. Most corn fields visited are now at some stage of R5 or dent stage. In lighter soils lacking rain, significant firing is evident. As our crops near maturity many farmers have turned their attention to readying combines and other harvest equipment. While important, we can also find value in late season scouting visits. This week has been a very interesting in corn leaf diseases, Tar Spot continues to infect and spread within and across fields. This is the time to evaluate fungicide application efficacy or hybrids inherent or bred tolerance to Tar Spot and other diseases. In addition to Tar Spot, symptoms of Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Gray Leaf Spot and Southern Rust can be found in area corn fields. Visiting fields with disappointing weed control can also provide insight into management decisions in future years. Included is an image of Waterhemp treated with a tank mix of Enlist and Liberty that killed the apical meristem but not the plant. In visiting Dr. Aaron Hager, Weed Specialist at the University of Illinois, he shared the current message for Waterhemp control in soy. I had to chuckle (and could relate) at recommendation 7.
1) Use glufosinate with Enlist One instead of glyphosate. If we miss grass with the tankmix, we can always come back and clean it up with glyphosate. We do NOT want to miss the waterhemp with the first application.
2) Keep the water volume close to 20 gpa whenever possible.
3) Be sure to use the correct spray tips; these drift reduction nozzles are terrible for contact herbicides, such as glufosinate.
4) Spray small waterhemp. If the field average size is 4 inches, the reality is a field with plants ranging from 8 inches to ½ inch.
5) Keep the AMS at the label recommended rate. This is NOT the place to cut costs.
6) Glufosinate likes bright sunshine, high air temperatures, and high humidity. Applications made when one or more of these are missing often are somewhat compromised.
7) Spray glufosinate like you once sprayed Basagran (that one resonates only with those with at least a touch of gray hair).

This past week has brought some drier weather to east central Illinois than the week prior. In the eastern half of McLean County, soil moisture conditions looked good, overall, during my survey. Most fields have started to dry in the top couple of inches of the soil profile, but some parts of low-lying and/or poorly drained fields still had soils that were at field capacity. Compared to some of my surveys in recent weeks in neighboring counties, I saw very few soybean fields showing spots of plant stress due to waterlogging and/or soil-borne pathogens. A few of the corn fields I visited were showing early signs of stalk rot in some plants, although this seemed to be largely limited, at this time, to those wetter fields I mentioned earlier. Something else I saw in several of these wetter corn fields was corn ears containing both brown, senesced silks and unpollinated silks. The tassels in these fields did not appear to be shedding any viable pollen, which may mean it’s too late for these silks/ovules to make grain. Most corn was in the late R3 (milk) to early R4 (dough) range, but I did find one field at early dent (R5) and another still at blister (R2). Soybeans ranged from R3 (beginning pod) to late R5 (beginning seed), with most falling in the latter half of that range.

This week precipitation has been mixed in northeast Illinois, areas north of the Rte. 80 corridor have received multiple rainfall events while areas south have received limited to no precipitation. Soy continues to progress, reaching R5, beginning seed stage. Depending upon variety maturity and planting date, most corn fields visited were R3-R4 to R4-R5. An unwelcome discovery this week was significant Tar spot symptoms in several corn fields. The decision on using a fungicide treatment is difficult in later maturity stages, especially when we are near R5, the dent stage. A reminder that grain fill in the dent stage often extends to 30 days or more. However, with declining commodity prices farmers need to consider their ROI (return on investment) when considering a or additional fungicide applications. A tool available to aid in the decision making is the Corn Fungicide ROI Calculator from the Crop Protection Network. The purpose of the Corn Fungicide ROI Calculator is to share results from university uniform corn fungicide trials conducted in the United States and Canada and allow farmers and others in the agricultural industry to calculate the potential return on investment (ROI) for corn fungicide application across a variety of user-defined factors, which is based on research data included in this calculator. The two variables needed are expected corn yield and marketing price. The calculator can be accessed at https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/fungicide-roi-calculator

As July ends warmer temperatures and humidity returned to NE Illinois. While some appreciate seeing a sunrise mist with morning coffee, I think of extended leaf wetness on crops and that it often favors fungal leaf diseases. Despite these occurrences, I continue to see very limited leaf disease symptoms in corn or soy. From a maturity standpoint in fields visited, corn is transitioning from R3 (milk) to R4 (dough) stage. The starch within the kernel is converting from a liquid to a pasty consistency. R4 is often the shortest reproductive stage dependent on environmental conditions. Soy has reached R4 or the full pod stage. At this stage a ¾ inch (2 cm) pod can be found on one of the 4 uppermost nodes on the main stem. R4 through R6 (full seed) is a critical time for the soybean plants exposed to environmental stresses. Issues at this time can cause more significant yield decreases than other growth stages.
Recently Dr. Doris Lagos (USDA-ARS) at the University of Illinois reported finding corn aphids in the suction trap network https://suctiontrapnetwork.org/data/ and in fields. Several have corroborated finding corn aphids and suggested treating specifically for the pest. In my scouting visits I am finding corn aphid populations where I often find them, on plants at or near field edges, and at very low densities (random mostly singular plants).

We have gotten quite a bit of rain in the last week in LaSalle County, with most areas seeing between 2-3 inches. Some areas in Bureau County received up to 4 inches of precipitation in the past week. With this, many fields have fairly saturated soils, but I have not noticed any ponding. Overall crops are looking very good and progressing well. I have not seen excessive disease or pest pressure in most fields. Corn is at R3 (milk), and soy is at R5 (beginning seed). Weeds are getting very large in some fields though (see image of waterhemp).

Another week of varied precipitation in northeast Illinois, but mostly favorable growing conditions. Corn has reached R3 (milk stage). At this stage the moisture of the kernel is about 80%. Leaf disease incidence continues to be low in corn and soy fields visited. Most soy is R3 to R4, beginning to full pod. In addition to the crops entering their reproductive stages, so too are some weeds, including waterhemp. This weed is dioecious, both male and female plants having flowering structures. Once mature, the plants can be easily sexed by the presence or lack of shiny black seeds.
This week I attended the Monmouth Research Center Agronomy Day and was able to gain insight explaining why many were seeing waterhemp uncontrolled by post herbicide applications. The surviving plants appeared weeks after the post herbicide application as bushier, more robust plants. University of Illinois ‘s Caleb Wepprecht discussed “HPPD Resistant Waterhemp- A Growing Concern” and shared his take on weed control challenges from this year. A few factors in waterhemp escapes were inadequate spray volume on larger plants, leading to inadequate coverage of the growing points, even with systemic herbicides, as well as low use rates/dosage of herbicide in the weed itself, along with the concept of metabolic herbicide resistance, leading to the waterhemp’s survival and altered plant structure. As farmers see waterhemp escapes in fields, Caleb encouraged attendees to take whatever steps possible to prevent the prolific seed-producing weed from maturing and causing future concerns

LaSalle County experienced a good amount of precipitation this week from the several large storm systems that moved through the area. Luckily, we have not seen any severe damage from these storms. I also have not noticed much standing water in fields. Corn at the IVCC + Extension plots is tasseling or getting close to it. Soybeans are flowering. The IVCC + Extension plots are a little behind in development compared to fields in a lot of LaSalle County. Corn in many fields is tasseling, silking, or has been successfully pollinated.

An active week on the weather front in Northeast Illinois. Several storms packing high winds roared through the area. Despite this, to date, I have heard few reports of down corn. Regional corn fields are at varied maturities because of planting dates. The earliest planted has reached R2 (Blister), the developing kernels appear as clear fluid containing whitish blisters on the cob, silks are brown and drying rapidly. Most soy is also at R2 (full bloom) and closing canopies in 30″ rows. Fungicide applications are underway by plane, helicopter and drone (and likely ground rigs when field conditions permit). I noted isolated incidence of Gray Leaf Spot and Tar Spot this week, I plan on revisiting those corn fields within the week to reassess. On some corn plants lower leaves exhibit the inverted V symptoms of nitrogen deficiency. Leaf senescence occurs naturally and is identified by corn leaves losing greenness due to a reduction in chlorophyll. Not all nutrients are lost, some assimilates are “remobilized” and transferred to the ear and kernels so that grain fill can be sustained and completed. While a natural process, lower leaf senescence and its counterpart, top dieback, can also be initiated by crop stresses and bears watching in future field visits.

Most of the corn and soybean crop in Ford County is looking healthy after some needed rain from the remnants of Beryl, although it may have been a little more than ideal for a few fields. Low lying areas where farmers struggled getting a crop planted and established this spring once again have standing water. However, the extent of observed ponding was relatively minimal at the time of this survey, with most fields saturated but not too tacky when walking through. A small proportion of the corn fields are at R1, but most are still a leaf or two away from VT. There are also a handful of fields still in the V8-V10 stages. Soybeans ranged from V3/V4 to R2, with most fields showing at least a few flowers. Weed control looked good, overall, in corn. Soybean fields were more variable. With a few exceptions, most fields looked relatively clean from the road, but recently emerged waterhemp seedlings and/or escapes that were not controlled by herbicide applications could be found pretty easily when walking through a number of soybean fields.

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl passed through northeastern Illinois depositing widespread and varying precipitation. Area wheat growers who have yet to harvest are facing an extended combining schedule and likely lower test weights as the grain rewets and dries. Many corn fields are currently pollinating, always an uncomfortable time to scout. Even so, it is still a critical time to do so, determining leaf disease pressure and fungicide application decisions. Current commodity prices suggest an eight to ten bushel preservation of yield is necessary to justify the cost of most aerial applications. I have yet to see Tar spot, but an agronomist further southeast shared that symptoms have been found. The University of Illinois Plant Clinic is offering free Tar Spot screening again this year. The downloadable screening form can be found at https://extension.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/2024-06/2024_free_corn_tar_spot_form_0.pdf . Waterhemp is starting to push through soy canopies and many conversations in July have centered on resprays and herbicide dissatisfaction. Make note and evaluate your level of control in fields as you plan for 2025. I always enjoy seeing brace root emergence in a corn field. I note hybrid differences and have heard a plant breeder suggest that brace roots are a photosynthetic drain on a corn plant yield potential. Whether it helps or hinders final yield, I feel better when seeing corn plants with the additional anchoring support of brace roots that make it to the soil. In my mind, it’s going to help that plant stand through harvest.

This past week I had the opportunity to travel a larger area of northern Illinois. Generally, both corn and soybean crops appear to be in good shape. This comes as somewhat of a surprise when considering what the crop has endured to this point (near midway) in the growing season. Earliest planted crops include R1 corn and R2 soy. In recent trips across the countryside, I see acres of soy and often come across a field that from a windshield survey appears to be suffering from dicamba drift, so much so that I stop and visit the field. I recognize that we are far removed from the June 12th application deadline of Soy dicamba chemistry and most post corn applications. Yet the HG 4 (growth regulator) symptoms are showing up on new trifoliate leaves in many northern Illinois fields. Some fields I know, and most I expect, are Enlist beans. Why are we still getting the wrinkling and white tipped leaves? This may turn into an insect year, while scouting this week my checklist included Western corn rootworm beetles, Northern corn rootworm beetles, Bean leaf beetles, Japanese beetles, Potato leafhoppers and Grasshopper nymphs.

The rain that hit this week has made the county extremely variable field to field on moisture levels, but the crops said thank you! Wheat is being harvested and/or was harvested before the rain. The heat is taking a little break, but the sun is still shining!

Corn fields are showing signs of stress and leaf rolling during this high heat environment. Compacted soils during planting can further exacerbate the stress due to lack of root development. Flash drought conditions have also shown to impact smaller corn where root development is not as advanced. Dry soils in the top layers have slowed or stopped nodal roots to grow and be productive.

Like much of the state, in LaSalle County it has been hot with only one day in the past week having some scattered showers. There are some scattered thunderstorms in the forecast for next week, though. Overall crops are still looking good, but the soil is starting to dry out a bit on top. Corn at the IVCC research and demonstration plots is at V5, and soy is at V2/3 (both planted May 20). Later planted or replanted crops in LaSalle County are at similar maturity, but earlier planted corn is reaching V10 – V11 stage and some earlier soy is getting close to R1.

A shift in the 2024 growing season, we have transitioned from fields experiencing levels of wet, saturated and underwater to having some version of hot, dry and stressed crops in many areas of northeast Illinois. Many soy fields have received their post herbicide and are slowly putting out new trifoliates because of unfavorable growing conditions. Uneven corn fields can be found in areas most effected by heavy rainfall events earlier in the season. Earliest planted corn has reached V11 to V12 growth stage. While scouting (a job best done early morning with current temperatures) I noted fungal growth developing near whorls and on corn leaves. My prognosis is an early season infection of Corn smut, to be confirmed by the University of Illinois Plant clinic. In the fields visited the infection appears to have a varietal influence.
For those in northern Illinois I always encourage farmers to be aware of what is happening downstate to alert us to potential issues we may encounter later. Looking at information from neighboring states is beneficial as well, and recently both Iowa and Indiana confirmed the presence of Tar spot. In both states it is considered one of the earlier dates for confirmation of the disease. The annual spread of the disease can be followed on the Corn ipmPIPE. https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/
Be on the lookout and be safe when working in the hot weather!

Sunshine and warmer weather are accelerating crop and weed growth. Because of varied planting and replanting dates, both corn and soy post herbicide applications are underway. Largest corn is V9 – V10 stage, soy is V4 to V5 and nearly R1 (beginning bloom, one open flower at any node on the main stem). We are getting flowers on soy over a week before summer solstice! Despite what some of us learned about the connection between the longest day of the year and flowering, this phenomenon is becoming more frequent with earlier plantings. Photoperiod sensitive soybeans are considered a short-day plant. Despite the inference, flower induction is triggered with a longer night length. The soy plant’s ability to measure night length starts early, when the unifoliate leaflets are present and a young trifoliate can be detected at the second node. Dependent upon the soybean variety and maturity, once that plants critical night length is reached, flowering is initiated, before or after June 21st.
With our Dicamba products for Xtend technology soy reaching their June 12th application cutoff in Illinois, we should also look at label recommendations for Enlist products. The Enlist One label specifies for post applications applied to Enlist traited soy, ” Apply when weeds are no larger than 6 inches and any time after soybean emergence through the R1 growth stage.” As always, take the time to read and follow label directions before mixing and applying pesticides.

A good growing week in NE Illinois for most. Some precipitation and several rain free days with sunshine. The earliest planted corn is V7 to V8 and earlier planted soybean is V3 to V4. Now that most planters are parked, other activities are underway. They include sidedressing nitrogen, post herbicide applications on corn, and harvesting the first cutting of hay. Several days after corn post herbicide applications have taken place, scout fields to evaluate the performance of your post herbicide application. Be wary of hard to control weeds such as Marestail, with populations resistant to glyphosate in Illinois and a challenge to other chemistries once they bolt and reach a height of 6 – 8 inches. To learn about the newest in weed management plan on attending the University of Illinois 2024 Weed Science Field Research Tour on June 26th. The tour takes place at the Department of Crop Sciences field research location known as the Clem Farm, located at 1114 County Road 1200 East, Champaign. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the tour will start at 9:00 a.m.

There is quite a bit of variability between fields in corn and soybean growth stage in Iroquois County. I saw very few unplanted fields, but there were several planted within the last few days an yet to emerge. The majority of corn observed was around the V2/V3 growth stage, with a few fields closer to V5/V6. Most soybeans were at late VC or early V1, but I found a few fields with most plants at V3/V4 plants and at least a couple plants at early R1. The few wheat fields I saw looked to be progressing well into senescence with minimal lodging at this point. Soil moisture conditions were generally good, with the occasional muddy spot visible in some fields. Some uneven emergence and uneven color, particularly in corn, was observed in these wetter fields, but these areas could still recover if they don’t get hit by too much rain in the near term.

A dryer weather pattern allowed most to finish or nearly finish planting or replanting. Earliest planted corn is near or at V6 and earlier planted soy is now V3. We encourage early scouting of fields, including replant areas to evaluate crop emergence (note soy replant seedling feeding in picture), weed pressure and height. Expecting post corn herbicide applications to start soon.

We have had intermittent showers over the past week, so there has been a lot of opportunity for farmers to finish planting. The vast majority of fields in LaSalle County have been planted and have seedling emergence. Corn is ranging in development from VE to V4. Soybeans are ranging from VE to V1.

Farmers were tilling, spraying, and planting in between storms and high winds. We’ve made a lot of ground this week but there are still a fair amount of fields yet to be planted. Weeds are emerging.

Drying out this week in Northeast Illinois, planters are rolling, in instances planting fields for the first time, and replanting in others. Fields that held ponded water are noticeably uneven in emergence and early season growth. As the growing season progresses it will be interesting to follow the development in these fields. Earlier planted corn has reached V4 to V5, most soy I scouted are somewhere between just planted and V1, one fully developed trifoliolate. I plan on visiting an early planted soy field later this week and will be interested in its stage of development. Again, I posted another Waterhemp image this week demonstrating the rapid growth of weeds with improving growing conditions.

Like much of the state, conditions in Ford County are fairly wet. Standing water in fields was minimal, for the most part, most fields are at or near their holding capacity. During my transect of the southern half of the county, I saw very few emerged fields. The majority of fields are still yet to be planted, and many of those have not been sprayed or tilled yet this spring. I did see both corn and soybeans emerged in a couple fields, but still at VE/V1 and VC, respectively. There were several fields that had been recently planted prior to the last couple days of rain. Without too much more rain, those fields should come out of it okay, but that may not be in the cards, with some slight chances for rains in the local forecast over the next several days.

In Northeast Illinois some were fortunate to plant for several days while others have yet to attempt field work in the month of May. Crop scouting is critical to determine stand counts and the presence of drowned out areas. Waterhemp seedlings can easily be found in fields. For post herbicide applications be aware of weed height recommendations. A general rule is treating most weeds in the 3 to 4 inch stage.

Some growers were able to take advantage of the nice weather over the weekend and get out in the field. Most corn that was planted earlier is at VE-V1, and soybeans are at VE-VC. There is minimal standing water, but fields remain fairly wet.

Planting has paused due to wet conditions, but corn has started to emerge in fields that were planted earlier.

The start of another growing season! Limited field activity for nearly two weeks, our most recent precipitation event on May 7th will continue this trend. Planted corn is reaching V1 and planted soybean emerging, but plenty of seed can still be found in bags. Unworked or sprayed fields are full of winter annuals including Butterweed. Reports of significant alfalfa leaf feeding in regional hay fields. In the two most recent growing seasons farmers harvested almost 100% of planted acres with few drowned out areas, that is not likely in this region in 2024.

Again, sounding like a broken record, hit or miss on rainfall for areas in NE Illinois. This past week some fields received inches while others received tenths. While management decisions are dwindling this late in the growing season, we can still learn from field visits. An area in a soybean field that from the road I predicted to be SDS or BSR turned out to be White Mold. While scouting I’m also noting vines becoming more visible, most on field edges, predominantly morningglories, but also Burcucumber. The morningglories can be frustrating during harvest, but Burcucumber can wrap on the reel and bring harvest to a stop. If you find areas with significant amounts of Burcucumber you may consider a harvest aid treatment. We are almost R5 for both crops, near dent stage in our corn and at or near beginning seed in our soybean. Continued low insect and disease pressure in fields I have visited.

Much needed 1.25” of rain this morning. Some soybeans are being sprayed with fungicides and insecticides. Corn spraying is finished for now. Several mornings this week had fog and heavy dew. Will be watching for disease to develop in the corn.

It’s hot! Temperatures exceeding 90 degrees for consecutive days in NE Illinois. Despite the ambient temperature both corn and soy fields are holding up well, but additional rainfall would be welcome. Most corn fields are at or near R3, the milk stage. Some ears have visible aborted kernels at the ear tip. There has been minimal to no leaf disease in corn fields that I have visited, but plan on staying diligent and listening to local reports and regional reporting resources including the Corn ipmPIPE for Tar Spot https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/ to be aware of areas where crop disease has been detected. The soy crop has responded to recent rains with increases in vegetative growth and most fields are at or near R3 or Beginning pod. When scouting fields, it is still not too late to look for symptomology of herbicide damage in fields.

Crop is moving along. The high temperature next week are going to be tough with no moisture in the forecast. Corn stalks have moved the potassium from the lower nodes towards the ears, weakening stalks.

Wheat harvest has mostly wrapped up in NE Illinois. This week fungicide applications started in earnest, I observed fields sprayed by plane, helicopter, ground rigs and a drone! Many growers simply include a fungicide application in their management plan; however, we still encourage scouting to determine disease pressure before committing to a fungicide application. Being aware of requirements and favorable conditions for certain diseases. Examples include Northern Corn Leaf Blight and Tar Spot, both require extended periods of leaf wetness (6 – 7 Hours) for establishment. With recent rainfall many have noted early morning mist settling over some fields, facilitating the leaf wetness requirement. For those still considering an application, the Fungicide Efficacy Guides (from Land Grant Universities) have been updated for 2023 and can be accessed at https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/fungicide-efficacy-guides-updated-for-2023
Will the dry weather in June and resulting shorter corn plants have an effect on final yield? One of the things I have noted scouting some corn fields is the amount of light reaching the ground. In my experience during good growing seasons very little light reaches the ground at R1. As the picture demonstrates, that is not the case in all fields this year.

Another week with precipitation, July has been much more favorable than June for northeast Illinois crops. Even with the rain, some no-till soy fields are noticeably lagging in growth behind tilled fields in our area, especially on lighter ground. Those scouting fields have an opportunity to evaluate their post herbicide applications. For many, these applications took place under very dry and unfavorable conditions. Post control and residual activity or lack thereof is evident in some fields. Waterhemp is pushing through the soy canopy and growing well in corn fields as well. Most corn fields are at or near the critical R1 or silk stage, most soy is at or near R2 or full flower/bloom stage. While scouting I noted my first Northern and Western corn rootworm adults in the area. Local wheat harvest has started and stopped between recent rains.

Welcome and timely precipitation this past week in NE Illinois. Some areas had 3+ inches of rainfall but most had less. Adequate for now, but continued precipitation would be welcome for many. Some of the earliest planted or shorter season hybrids are starting to tassel. The emergence of tassels visibly illustrates the lack of uniform growth in some fields, likely due to earlier season stresses. Soybean are currently R1 nearing R2 (full flower). Japanese beetle adults can now be found leaf feeding. Recent rains have mostly halted the wheat harvest in northern Illinois. Potato leafhopper damage clearly detected in Alfalfa fields.

Some fortunate NE farms received up to an inch of rain this past week. The rainfall helped our soy crop initiate new trifoliates, improving field aesthetics by hiding leaves present when post-herbicides were applied, giving some fields a “dinged” appearance. While recent rainfall was welcomed, signs of a very dry early vegetative season, and drought conditions, persist. Corn and soy are smaller than normally expected as we near July in our region. The competition for early season soil moisture is evident in corn fields having trees on their perimeter. Wheat harvest has yet to start in northern Illinois.

Another week without a hint of precipitation in most of NE Illinois, soy has basically stopped growing and corn fields are struggling to canopy between rows. My thermometer is registering 99 degrees this afternoon. I truly hope to share a different story next week, there is concern on how long these crops can hang on before suffering significant yield consequences.

Conditions change field to field depending on root establishment and moisture. Traveled through eastern Iowa this week and hills look really rough. Armyworm is taking out corn, soybeans and wheat in that area also. Iowa was also dry last year.

In Northeast Illinois fortunate farmers and farms received measurable rain, those that didn’t continue to watch their crops struggle in drought conditions. While most are familiar with a corn plants defense mechanism of leaf wrapping to lessen moisture loss, soy has defense mechanisms as well. Under moisture limited conditions or excessive temperature, soybean plants will flip over their leaves. This exposes their silvery-green underside which reflects more light. This process can reduce temperature stress for the plant until it experiences more favorable conditions. Even under stress, I noted the first flowers on Soy plants this week. While our preference is to have a stress-free growing season, stress during the vegetative stages of both corn and soy are less likely to have yield impacts when compared to the reproductive stages if conditions improve. Scouting V10 corn, I noted an insect egg mass on an upper leaf hatching nymphs. What did I find? Confirmed by Dr. Nick Seiter, University of Illinois entomologist, as Stink bugs.

This field has now shown yellowing or K deficiency in large areas for this year and two years ago in corn. Very, dry which only enhances the K deficiency symptoms. No other fields in the area showing symptoms. No spring N was applied at or near planting. We plan to investigate further.

Fingers crossed for Sunday’s predicted forecast.

Many areas in Northeastern Illinois are experiencing a level of drought conditions. Corn is wrapping in some fields during the day in response to temperatures and lack of moisture. Soybean growth has slowed and most are hoping for more favorable conditions before applying post herbicides in this crop. When applied under the dry conditions post corn herbicide conditions were less than ideal. We encourage growers to evaluate the effectiveness of the applications within 1 to 2 weeks. Wheat in the area appears to be hastening to maturity, it may be an early wheat harvest in northern Illinois.

Northeastern Illinois is turning dry. Post herbicide applications are taking place in corn fields. Despite dry conditions weed growth and diversity of species has been impressive in some fields, including robust vining weeds including Burcucumber and Morningglory. Early planted corn is at V6 and Soy at V2. I received reports of heavy Alfalfa weevil feeding and below average tonnage from the first cutting of hay in the region. A reminder, mechanical harvest is an effective cultural control of this pest. The Alfalfa weevil has one generation per year and overwinters as an adult. Mowing and harvesting the field removes the insect’s food and shelter. In addition, harvesting the crop can expose the larvae to sunlight which can be lethal. While the Alfalfa weevil window of damage is nearly over, farmers are encouraged to continue to scout for other forage pests that can cause damage in future cuttings including Potato leafhopper.

Much of Northeastern Illinois has had a precipitation-free week. Soils are drying rapidly. Soy planted just before the most recent rainfall event is struggling to emerge in some fields. The soy hypocotyl cannot push through the crusted soil surface. Fields planted in this time period warrant a field scouting trip to evaluate emerged plant population. Most corn is near the V4 stage, Waterhemp has also emerged and is growing quickly in fields. Be aware of size restrictions on both crop and weeds with planned post herbicide applications. Sidedressing of corn with nitrogen and harvesting the first cutting of hay is underway in the region.

Welcomed sunshine provides a boost in early season crop growth! This dry period has allowed fields to be evaluated and planned for replant as well as ponding to go away.

This area received variable rains that halted planting. Some areas received anywhere from 0.75” to 5” early this week, and are receiving another 0.5” today. Planting is wrapping up for the area.

Mostly favorable growing conditions in NE Illinois. Spotty precipitation slowed some farmers who are trying to wrap up the 2023 planting season. Cooler soils slowed some soybean emergence, especially in high residue No-till fields. Those scouting soybean fields have reported some emerging soy exhibiting discolored cotyledons. Likely causes can include stressful emergence conditions, diseases, herbicide injury from pre-emergent herbicides (likely PPO-inhibiting herbicides whose injury to emerging soybeans is enhanced by cool and wet conditions). If the cotyledons have a distinctive “halo'” on the cotyledon and the soy planted was seed-treated with the fungicide fluopyram (ILeVO), the browning is the result of phytotoxicity caused by accumulation of the fungicide in the cotyledon. We encourage early season scouting but also suggest farmers observe their soybean fields for several days to a week of favorable growing conditions before making rash replant decisions. Soybean are a resilient crop that often outgrow early season issues.

Sunshine and heat, finally! Favorable growing conditions in NE Illinois. The sunshine, warmth, and needed rain gave a boost to both corn and soybean that had been slowly trying to emerge and grow. Despite concerns, I have heard few reports of emergence issues with seed sitting in cool soils for extended periods. This past weekend most areas measured between .3 to over an inch of rain. Isolated areas near Channahon and in Kankakee received 2+ inches. Soybean planting is starting to resume in the area.

Damp and cold

Sprayers are out! The next few days will be great drying weather and I’ve heard Wednesday is the Go day for many farmers in McLean County.