USDA’s condition ratings have remained steady in recent weeks despite a combination of adverse weather conditions across key growing areas. We’re working with Pro Farmer members to gain real-time, boots-on-the-ground insights into how the crop is progressing this season and to understand and identify any notable or emerging trends. We’ll provide regular updates through the remainder of the growing season and through harvest.
Here’s what Pro Farmer members recently shared:
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, Roger Williams states recent heat has abated after storms rolled through last weekend. The crop looks good overall north of Highway 30, with enough rain in June to help sustain the crop through the heat. However, recent heat and forecasts of returned heat this weekend could start to affect the crop negatively. There is disease pressure in this area and fungicide applications have been happening over the past week. There have been more preventive fungicide applications in this area compared to year-ago.
The crop has been relatively stress-free in this area up to this point, but that is likely to change with not much rain in the forecast.
Soybeans look excellent but are also in need of rain in August. They’re standing at a good height and have minimal disease pressure or insect damage.
Kirk Summers reports the area around Gibbon, Nebraska caught some rains early in the growing season, but the area remains too dry with rain totals in the Grand Island area nearly 4 inches behind average since the beginning of the year and 2 inches behind for the month. Compared to last year, rain totals are over 7 inches behind since the beginning of the year.
The recent heat has eased last week, bringing a 20-25 degrees of relief, though dry corners look tough and the earlier planted crop pollinated during recent heat. Fungicide applications are picking up in the area. Beans look okay, but there have been several reports of western bean cut worm in the area.
In Altamont, Illinois, Faith Kemme notes the early corn looks very good, with many producers actively applying fungicide. The later planted corn crop (V10) needs rain and is starting to roll. More people in the area were reported be actively applying fungicide than in recent years as the area has received ample rains and faced intense heat and high humidity in recent weeks – which are ideal conditions for Southern Rust and other diseases. There also seems to be more awareness around importance of disease management. Aphids have been present in certain varieties, so scouting and timely applications have been top-of-mind. Rain has slowed down lately, with only 2 tenths falling in the last three weeks.
Early planted soybeans are fully flowered and podded and look good. The earlier-planted crop in the area will be ok, but the later-planted crops need timely rain.
Overall, the crop is expected to be average in this area. The photos below show how the crop is progressing in south-central Illinois.
Caleb Smith in Patoka, Indiana tells us producers in southwestern Indiana enjoyed one of the earliest planting seasons in history, with the crop off to a record start in the area, but an intense rain event June 25-27 brought 10-13 inches of accumulation, which subsequently flooded all river bottoms and low-lying creek bottom ground. Some fields have been partially affected, while others were a complete loss. Currently, many producers in this area are replanting a large portion of corn and bean acres to uninsured beans in hopes of gleaning something from the affected area.
Conversely, the well-drained fields look exceptional, but there are some pollination issues in particular hybrids – largely due to heavy rains affecting the silking process.
The drone pictures below are a snippet of the crop damage in southwestern Indiana.
In Lakeview, Ohio, Charles Shulze indicates the crops look good but need moisture, with recent rains largely lost due to excessive heat. Most of the crops in the area were planted later, with much of the crop planted in June. Fungicide applications in the area have just begun. Currently, the corn crop looks to be about average, and the soybean crop looks to be above average, but both crops desperately need rains over the next six weeks to finish. There is some tassel-wrap in the area, which could affect pollination, especially if hot, dry conditions persist.
Soybeans will be the first to harvest in the area but won’t likely being until the last few days in September.