High temperatures have entered the area and are putting pressure on crops in Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. While there has not been a major rainfall event for some time, and the topsoil moisture supply is lower, there is still moisture down further in the root zone that is allowing crops to receive water. The forecast shows no break in the heat anytime soon, and chances for rain each day remain in flux. Most of the crops still appear to be healthy and have yet to exhibit signs of heat stress. There are some crops, especially ones in sandier soils, that are beginning to exhibit signs of stress. Not much else has changed in the way of growing conditions across the three counties.

After a busy week of finishing up planting, replanting and every other aspect of farming, we received a rain last night that will help us make it through the approaching heatwave.

No rain in the last few weeks and the heat has started. Corn is at V8 and V6 growth stages. Soybeans are at R1, V2/V3, and VC. No pests or diseases found. Sulfur deficiency showing in V6 corn with weaker root systems. Waterhemp breaking through in V2/V3 soybeans.

Corn stages range from VE- V7, with bean stages similar. Most corn herbicide applications are complete, and side dress nitrogen is almost completed. Little crop response has been noted, and corn is looking good but could use a drink.

As is the story with much of the surrounding area, there have been a range of planting dates for row crop fields in Champaign County. In my loop through the southern half of the county, I saw a field that had just been planted within the last day or two as well as soybeans at the V3/4 stage and corn at V7/8. This range of plant maturity also exists within some fields, with replanted areas and other areas that were slowed in emergence and growth by standing water and/or saturated soils are pretty common across the county. The most advanced soybeans will likely be flowering soon, if not already. In the couple fields I stopped at, I couldn’t find an open flower quite yet. For corn, there was a good proportion of fields, maybe 20%, that are at V6 or later and really starting to take off. These plants will likely deal with the coming heat much better than those that are younger, smaller, and have less developed root systems. Hopefully, with how wet we have been in this area lately, most of those later planted fields will still have sufficient moisture available for these young plants as we get into the 90+ degree weather in the coming days.

Crop growing conditions remain steady across Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. Mild temperatures during the day and cooler evenings have relieved later-planted crops. Weed pressure is also becoming more prevalent in fields planted late, but high winds during the last week have prevented many fields from being sprayed. Nearly all of the first hay cutting is also completed, with most hay fields growing reasonably well. Hot temperatures are expected to come into the area later this week and weekend, so plants will likely experience some stress. Rain is also forecast for Thursday, which could provide some needed topsoil moisture.