Across much of the area, there are entire fields of soybeans exhibiting cupping. The widespread nature of the symptom could point to environmental stress as the cause, potentially from the hot and dry conditions over the past week and a half. Many soybean fields are still not canopied.

Corn has greatly increased in height recently due to the accumulation of over 240 GDDs during the past week and a half. I have not seen, and there have not been any reports of, disease in corn thus far this season.

Things are moving along in western Illinois. North of Monmouth, we are seeing some tassels on corn as well as nearing flowering on the earlier planted soybeans. Conditions have been dry and not quite as hot as last week, but still hot. Precipitation has been scattered throughout the region as well, with some areas getting 0.5 inches or more while others get nothing. Overall, conditions look on track. We have had confirmed tar spot in Warren and McDonough Counties this year, so we encourage everyone to make sure they are walking their fields. Keep an eye on the Crop Protection Network tar spot map as well: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/maps/tar-spot-of-corn.

Crop is really progressing with the heat. Early-planted beans are starting to close rows, and post applications have been made. Constantly scouting beans for waterhemp escapes. Corn is 3–6 leaves from tasseling. Found tar spot in most of the corn across a three-county area. You really have to look to find it, but it’s definitely present. Of the 15 corn fields I’ve been in so far, I’ve found it in 13. It doesn’t seem to be hybrid-specific—same infestation level across multiple brands and hybrids.

Current conditions in Champaign County are mildly dry. Last week’s heat wave has broken slightly—just in time to pick back up for the Fourth of July weekend—with recent highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s giving way briefly to more moderate temperatures in the mid-80s and lows in the 60s. Rainfall has been limited, with the area consistently missing spotty showers, leading to visible stress in corn due to heat and lack of moisture. Soybeans are in the R1–R2 growth stages, and corn is progressing from V10 to R1 (silking). Most post-emergence herbicide applications are complete, though some fields are being evaluated for resprays due to waterhemp escapes, and fungicide planning is underway. Japanese beetles are present in both corn and soybeans; corn rootworm beetles and grape colaspis have also been noted in corn.

Still very little subsoil moisture. Overall, compared to parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin I’ve recently seen, I’d say we’re a bit of a garden spot. We are truly blessed to be looking the way we do.

Some areas received between 1″ and 2″ of rain, while others nearby went without. Corn is lodged and forming brace roots after heavy winds. Earlier-planted corn in the area may have experienced greensnap. Recent spotty pop-up showers, along with the heat, were just what the crop needed to make up for previously hindered growth.

Wheat harvest is underway, with some double-crop soybeans hopefully getting planted ahead of forecasted rain. Post-emergence herbicide and sidedress/Y-drop applications are nearly wrapped up, with some beginning to mow roadside ditches.

Corn is at the V9–V12 growth stages, and soybeans are at R1 to R2. Japanese beetles have made their presence known at low levels in both corn and soybeans. Grape colaspis beetles have also been spotted in soybeans. Bacterial blight and Septoria brown spot are present in soybeans.

There are no signs of disease in corn at this time; however, leaf wetness and humidity could signal disease pressure in the future. Farmers are preparing and asking questions about fungicide applications. Many are also scouting for escaped weeds following post-emergence herbicide sprays.