At the time of my survey (6/3) in northern Champaign County, soil moisture conditions were near normal in the top several inches, although some wet corners and low areas of fields could still be found. But with about an inch of rain falling on Wednesday (6/4), soils are currently a little on the wet side. Overall, the corn and soybean crops are looking healthy in the area with some of the corn starting to take off. The average growth stage of corn fields encountered during my survey was around V3-V4 with some of the earlier planted fields reaching V6-V7. Side-dress ammonia was being applied in a few corn fields in the area, as well. Soybeans were largely in the VC-V1 range, with a few fields a bit further along. Weed control looked good, for the most part, and post-emergence herbicide applications had been made in many of the soybean fields visited. Wheat fields surveyed were finished flowering (Feekes 10.5.4) but developing kernels are still in the “watery ripe” stage.

There are still planters out in the field, mostly replanting both corn and soybeans. There are some fields with less than desired stands and they really seem to be showing up from the road. There are also side-dressing of corn as well as post herbicide applications being made on corn and earlier planted soybeans. No major pests or diseases. Excited for the heat this week to get some crop growth.

Soybeans are VC to V3 depending on planting date. Corn is V5 to V1 depending on planting date. Crop has seemed to stall with the cool weather. We are dry, but there is still adequate subsoil moisture. Rain and heat are in the forecast for this week – both will be welcomed!

1 inch rain over night. 85% done planting corn and soybeans. 50% emerged or bigger. Last 10 days insane progress planting. Sidedress UAN Beginning on early planted corn. Some post soybean spraying in areas.

Most of the 2025 crop has emerged in the last 3 weeks. Stands look good by and large. Some of the early fields did get a bit of crust and needed a hoe in the absence of a timely rain. Corn stages range from V5 on the first planted fields to VE-V1. Soybeans are mostly VE to VC but we do see some trifoliate leaves here and there. The cool temps over the last 10 days or so have slowed crop growth across the board potentially negating some of the advantage of early planting. Warmer weather is in the forecast but not much rain.

Across the county, corn is between VE and about V4 while soybeans are yet to emerge or at about V1. The rainfall received over the past couple weeks has been well received – the crop looks healthy and green. Surprisingly given the rain, there aren’t yet any significant weed flushes, but scouting is recommended to identify any moving forward.