Below average temperatures this week have slowed crop growth. Most planting is complete and limited replant, mostly soy, has taken place. While most observations are focused on aboveground 2025 crop development, it is interesting to consider what is happening underground. While variation exists among hybrids and locations we can share several generalizations about corn root growth. The maximum rooting depth is largely determined by the depth of the groundwater table. Corn roots require oxygen to respire and survive, for this reason most corn root growth ceases once the water table (and saturated soil) is reached. Roots can be expected to extend or “meet” across 30-inch rows by the corn plant at V6 but has been reported in earlier stages in favorable growing conditions. The corn plants’ maximum root depth, which can reach six feet (if not limited by soil barriers) is normally attained by the blister or milk stage in the growing season. Maximum root depth can be helpful, but we are reminded that most of the root density is in the top two to three feet of the soil profile.
While scouting fields this week I am visually reminded of management suggestions shared by Extension Weed Specialists, including Dr. Aaron Hager, on the importance of preventing Waterhemp from reaching the stage of viable seed production. When allowed to do so, these prolific seed producing weeds can generate an impressive flush of weed seedlings the following year. Despite the cool week Burcucumber is getting an early start and has been noted as well. Evaluate stand and post herbicide efficacy in both corn and soy fields in the upcoming weeks.

In previous weeks, we were praying for rain and battling windy conditions. Thank goodness our hopes came true! Last week, we didn’t have a single day without rain from Sunday through Thursday. In common wet spots in fields, there was standing water for a few days. These conditions brought all sprayers and field work to a halt.

Before the rain, there was a large window and no rush to apply post-emergence chemistries. Now, that window has drastically narrowed. As of midday Saturday into Sunday, we’ve started to see a little field activity pick up. Hopefully, by Tuesday—following the busy holiday weekend—field and environmental conditions will be favorable for getting the post-emergence chemistries on!

For us, this past week was full of inventory, organizing, and catching up on projects around the plant before the next big push.

There were still planters and sprayers going over the weekend, but planting is getting closer to being finished. Obviously, crops are at all different growth stages, but the weather has hindered growth of early planted crops. Waterhemp is making its debut in early planted soybean fields and post herbicide applications will be needed soon.

This past week was a rollercoaster for weather. Rain came on Thursday (5/15), but it also brought hail to parts of Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties. There were reports of two-inch diameter hail in the Athens area. Friday (5/15) saw a significant dust storm impact several parts of Central Illinois. Tuesday (5/20) again saw major storms move through the area, with more hail impacting the Springfield area and around an inch of rain falling. Despite the hail and high winds, not much crop damage has been observed or reported. Crop growth continues to be strong, with some corn and soybeans in the V2 stage.

Still wet. We were briefly dry enough at the end of last week to allow some planting, especially on no-till or lightly worked ground. Then, most of the area received 1-2″ of rainfall on May 19-20, which has paused field operations again for now. I have seen a couple of fields in Clinton County with emerged corn and beans that must have been squeezed in a few weeks ago. Hopefully, we will see some emergence in Marion County soon. It is supposed to be windy and sunny for the next few days. We’ll see if any ground can get dry enough to plant before the next forecasted storm rolls through, predicted for May 24-25.

The Illinois Wheat Association had its annual wheat tour on May 20, and estimated an average yield of 106 bu. Considering how wet it has been, the wheat looks pretty good, where it hasn’t been drowned out.

It has been quite a week weather-wise. May 16 severe storms caused a Haboob that wind-whipped crops across east-central Illinois. May 20 severe storms brought hail in parts of the area. Currently, all the corn crop has its growing point below ground, so the hail-damaged crop should recover well. Soybeans, on the other hand, may be a different story especially if hail cut the plants off below the cotyledons.
Nearly all cropland is planted with crops stages varying from just emerging to V4 almost V5 stage corn and soybeans nearly at the V3 stage of 3 fully developed trifoliate leaves.