A busy planting week for most in NE Illinois. Above average temperatures this week provided several days accumulating at least 17 GDU’s (base 50) per day. The favorable conditions for germination and seedling growth also extended to several problematic weeds including Waterhemp and Marestail. Early recognition of these and other weed species is important because post management strategies become challenging as the weeds reach critical sizes. Several areas missed recent precipitation events and we have received reports of disappointing soy stands in earlier planted fields. Growers are encouraged to evaluate crop emergence to determine if replant is a viable option.