It’s a challenge to report on soil conditions in northeast Illinois due to isolated pop-up thunderstorms. Some fields received over an inch of rain, while many less fortunate areas are drying quickly under above-average temperatures. I’ve noted many soybean fields exhibiting significant leaf burn from post-herbicide applications—likely a result of tank mix chemistries, additives, and environmental conditions. As our day lengths shorten, we’re reminded that soybeans in our region have an indeterminate growth habit, meaning vegetative growth (additional leaves) continues even after reproductive growth (flowering) begins. Despite high temperatures and limited rainfall, most corn fields visited still have wet leaves early in the morning. Periods of leaf wetness and high relative humidity are key risk factors for several corn leaf diseases, including Tar spot and Gray leaf spot.