Field conditions are still wet in northern Champaign County, with 2.5-3 inches of rain falling across most of that half of the county since June 17. A large proportion of fields I saw during my survey on Wednesday (6/24) morning had at least some low-lying and/or poorly drained areas with stunted, dying, or dead crop from the inundation those plants have experienced over the past couple of weeks. For the most part, these areas were relatively isolated in fields, and standing water is no longer present. However, I did see several fields with large areas of dead or stunted crop, some still with standing water. Relief from the wet conditions may still be a few days away, with more rain in the forecast for the remainder of this week. But drier conditions and warmer temperatures in next week’s forecast offer some hope.

Because of the generally wet conditions we had in this part of the state so far this season, crop progress is variable both across the area and across the field, in many cases. Healthy areas of corn fields are generally somewhere around V8, with some fields getting closer to the V10-V11 growth stages. Most soybean fields are still in vegetative growth stages, but I did find a handful of fields that have started to flower (R1) and a couple fields getting closer to full flower (R2). Wheat fields I checked were nearing full senescence with grain in the ‘ripening’ stage (Feekes 11.3) and could likely be harvested next week if the hot and dry forecast holds. As can be expected, weed control was variable across the area, with some fields presumably missing their timely post-emergence application windows due to the wet conditions. That said, I saw several sprayers on the roads while doing my survey, so at least some of those acres may get covered today or tomorrow, if the rain holds off long enough.

Another week with precipitation, in many areas ground sprayers have been unable to operate since June 7th. Many fields that are inherently poorly drained are ponded and both corn and soy are suffering. Farmers are facing the challenge of post applications of herbicide for corn and soy, and in some cases nitrogen for the corn crop. Warmer and dryer weather is desperately needed for the crops in the area. Most soy in the area not stressed by saturated soil has reached R2 (full flower), corn has reached V11. Waterhemp has reached 18 to 24 inches in untreated fields. Area alfalfa fields are flowering and Japanese Beetle have emerged in Northeast Illinois.

Crops are generally doing quite well, although severe storms on June 17 did bring high winds and hail to portions of the 3-county area. The majority of the corn is in the V8 to V12 stage, and soybean fields are in the R1 stage. Presently, seeing only minor Gray Leaf Spot lesions in a few fields, and no Tar Spot so far. Japanese beetles are emerging. Low areas in fields are showing ponding and water-damaged plants. There will be cornfields tasseling by July 4.

Peoria County has received around 4.5 inches of rain over the past two weeks, with limited opportunities for soils to dry between events. Fields with good drainage are doing well overall, but poorly drained areas are showing ponding. This week has provided a needed window for some dry down, and I haven’t seen any widespread crop damage from wind. Looking ahead, another chance of moisture followed by higher temperatures should support crop growth but may increase disease concerns.

2026 may be the tale of two (or three) seasons. Pictures above show the contrast between corn planted in early April vs no-till corn in cover crops planted late May, and also first crop soybeans planted early April (flowering) and those planted early June. Early crops appear to have a distinct advantage, but we will have to see how the season plays out. Everything planted in the middle of those two windows struggled to emerge and many acres had to be replanted. Some of that middle season corn is V5-V7 now and growing rapidly, but showing some unevenness across the field, probably due to compaction and waterlogged soils.

Soft red winter wheat is nearing harvest, with some acres having been cut in the area. Yields are reportedly very, strong and we are anxious to get started on harvest.

Storms dropped another 1.9″ of rain this week along with some powerful tornados that ripped through the area and caused extensive damage to buildings and trees. Thank the Lord, we were safe and were spared any damage at our farm. Prayers to those families who were not so fortunate.

Side-dress N and post herbicide in corn should wrap up next week. Some early beans got first post herbicide apps before the big rain.

After the multiple severe storms over the past week in LaSalle County, field conditions are severely wet. There is a wide range of conditions, with well-drained fields looking fantastic and healthy. There are far more fields with large areas of standing water that have been present for over a week. These areas with significant ponding are a near total loss. Some fields that are slightly better drained have significantly stunted plants, with soybeans looking much worse than corn of similar growth stages. There is more rain in the forecast for this weekend and next week, so I do not anticipate these fields having much chance to dry out. Additionally, there are areas of LaSalle County where crops have been damaged by the strong winds from recent storms, with corn fields taking the brunt of this with many plants leveled and under water. Areas around Streator have suffered significant damage after an EF-3 tornado touched down last week as well. Overall, crop conditions are far from ideal in LaSalle County right now.