Although some rain fell in much of the area this past Sunday, total rainfall was low (0.14” at the Illinois Climate Network (ICN) station in Champaign) and conditions remain dry in Champaign County. ICN soil moisture data show levels below the plant wilting point at 2” and 4” depths, however, at least where these instruments are in place, plant available moisture is still present at 8” and deeper. The lack of soil moisture at the shallower depths is evident when driving around the countryside. Corn plants in drier areas of fields are showing rolled leaves even in the morning hours. By the afternoon, the signs of moisture stress are more prevalent. Most corn plants are somewhere in the V5-V8 stages, and at that size, have at least some roots that are deep enough to reach the soil moisture still available. Soybeans may be struggling a bit more at this point, and their growth seems to have slowed in most fields. The plants still look relatively healthy, and the first flowers are starting to appear. But with little rain in the extended forecast, these early flowers are unlikely to contribute much to final pod counts.

It has been hot and very, dry, but crops seem to be handling it well so far at the ISA farm. A few days of cooler weather, was a nice break, but hot temperatures are in the forecast. Corn is approaching VT and the only diseases that seem to be present are anthracnose on lower leaves and Physoderma brown spot. Most soybeans are R2-R3 with some Septoria brown spot found lower leaves. There are very, few insects in fields. The most prevalent was grape colaspis beetles with minimal feeding. Post herbicides took care of weed pressure. Rain is needed as corn enters reproductive stages.