Very scattered rain July 1-4 across the region. Reports of no rain to 6 inches in locally heavy spots. Rain was spotty as you may have got rain on this quarter section and not the next. On our own farm we had one rain event where we had 4 tenths on one field and basically 0 half mile down the road on another. Despite the rain we are far from out of the woods on drought. The moisture hasn’t meet yet on our own farm and most others across S Illinois.

Lots and lots of questions on April planted corn. Some 4 ft tall and trying to tassel, most without any silks. In some fields silks out but no tassels. We are seeing root issues in the dry soil, some of the storms root lodged the corn and it has nothing to hold onto with the dry conditions. Late May and June planted corn still has a fighting chance. Some fungicide is going on, but I am not sure why at this stage, there is no disease pressure and in some cases, we don’t really have a viable host.

Early planted soybeans have maybe 9 nodes in some fields and have never closed the rows on 15 inches. Heard the seed production guy say he has never seed blooms “on the ground” because plants are so short. Later planting and later maturity are doing better. Spider mites are showing up in many places.

2023 harvest is shaping up to be a highly variable mess. There will be fields of good/average yields next to almost complete disasters based on planting date and what cloud it was under when.

Corn pollination is taking place. Soybeans will be approaching R3 (pod set) soon. Both corn and soybeans will be at the correct growth stage for fungicide and insecticide in about a week. There appears to be a lot of waterhemp escapes. Also saw minor corn snap and lodging.

This week started with drought and wildfire smoke and ended with ponds in the field. Southern Woodford County had 2.5 inches of rain over two separate storms a few hours apart. The first storm was in the overnight hours and had small hail. The second storm was an intense downpour. We were lucky to not have damage to the crop in this area. Next week will be focused on which weeds are germinating and what we can do about it. The herbicide options are limited and may or may not control the weeds emerging. Cultivation is an option in organic or later planted beans that are not close to the rows closing. Read the herbicide label for crop growth height and stage restrictions.

Much of the corn in NW IL was starting to roll and pineapple on late last week. The rain over the weekend and cooler conditions reduced this impact through mid week. Many fields of corn and soybean field seem to be behind in height and canopy closure at this point. Some of the early planted field which received timely showers during May and June look more normal. This really shows the spotty distribution of late spring showers.

We have been dry again this week, having missed any potential rain chances that were predicted. Our temperatures have also warmed up with most days at 90 degrees or above for highs. This has really put the stress to crops especially in the afternoon. Overall, crops look fairly good considering the dry, but they are growing fairly slow. Some early planted corn in the river bottom is starting to tassel. Wheat harvest is wrapping up and all reports I have heard have had very good yields and quality. Double crop soybeans are emerging fairly well, but they along with everything else, will really be hurting if we continue to stay hot and dry.