The heat and humidity have finally broken today after what feels like a very miserable few weeks. Over the past week, rainfall in LaSalle, Bureau, Marshall, and Putnam Counties has been sporadic, with some areas receiving nearly six inches and others less than an inch. Crops in areas with lower rainfall are still showing some heat stress. Overall, most crops look healthy, but the increased rainfall has finally brought disease to my four-county unit.

Tar spot has now been officially reported in all but Putnam County, though I suspect the disease is present there as well. Most growers have finished applying fungicide, and crops are now at stages where application is no longer recommended. Corn has reached R3 (milk), soybeans are at R5 (beginning seed), and double-crop soybeans are at V2–V3.

Pest pressure is low overall. Rootworm, bean leaf beetle, and Japanese beetle have been observed in soybean fields, but no significant damage has been reported.

We have received seven inches of rain in July, and yes, it rained again this morning. A much‑welcomed cooldown began today, with temperatures expected around 75°F. Corn is at R3, and soybeans are at R4 growth stage. Since Dad and my brother disagreed on applying fungicide to corn this year, we left a check strip untreated. At this time, gray leaf spot is much worse in the untreated check. A few aphids are showing up in corn, but nothing like last year. Soybeans look good, with only a few Japanese beetles lingering on field edges. With all the rain, the soybeans keep putting on new growth and pods at the top of the plant.

Subsoil moisture is still not adequate. Overall, we are one rain away from a fantastic finish on our beans. Most bean fields have some waterhemp or ragweed popping through in some capacity.

Corn and soybean fields across McLean, DeWitt, and Sangamon Counties have now reached the reproductive stages, with soybean fields closing their canopies and tassels clearly visible across every corn field I’ve driven past this week. These reproductive stages, combined with recent hot weather, create favorable conditions for insect and disease pressure—both of which are likely present by now, especially where preventative applications weren’t made. The heat is expected to ease starting tomorrow, which is good news for corn yields, since elevated night temperatures can greatly impact production. In corn fields with nitrogen deficiency, lower leaves are firing and showing the characteristic V-shaped chlorosis/necrosis. While rainfall has been consistent across the region, it remains scattered, with some areas receiving several inches over the past week.

HOT & HUMID — ideal conditions for disease development. Hot nights and foggy mornings mean lots of fungicide applications.

Corn fungicide applications have been in full swing, with planes, helicopters, and drones zooming through the air! Late last week and this week, the focus has shifted to soybean fungicide applications, typically done with ground rigs. Scouting continues to be a priority to monitor what is happening in corn and soybeans. Reports of wrapped tassels and other tassel-related problems have been a major concern. Producers and seed companies have scrambled to scout corn, as these issues have caused pollination problems in some areas. This is something we continue to monitor.