It has been a wet and chilly week following the hot, dry weather last week. LaSalle County saw nearly 5 inches of rainfall, which has led to ponding in some of the more low-lying areas of fields. Nearly all corn acres are planted, with most corn around stage V1-V2. The most mature corn I observed was at V4. Around 50-60% of soy acres are planted/emerged, with earlier planted soy reaching V2. I have also noticed a small uptick in corn-on-corn in LaSalle County this year compared to previous.

While it may be tempting to mow ditches, roadsides, and fence rows now that vegetation is getting larger with the increased rainfall, it is nesting season for ground-dwelling birds like pheasants. Avoid mowing until August to give these birds time to nest, especially in areas with more diverse stands of grasses that provide more attractive habitat.

Moderately Wet (soil is damp, standing water may be present in low areas, water bodies are full)