USDA’s condition ratings have remained steady in recent weeks despite a combination of adverse weather conditions across key growing areas. Five farmers, and Pro Farmer members, from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, share real-time, boots-on-the-ground insights on how the crop is progressing in their area to understand and identify any notable or emerging trends.
In Fort Dodge, Iowa, Roger Williams says recent heat has abated after storms rolled through the middle of July. Overall, the crop looks good north of Highway 30, with enough rain in June to help sustain the crop through the heat. However, the returning heat could start to negatively affect the crop. There is disease pressure in the area, and fungicide applications have been happening over the past week. In fact, there have been more preventive fungicide applications compared with a year ago.
The crop has been relatively stress-free 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 his area around Gibbon, Neb., 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 with last year, rain totals are over 7 inches behind since the beginning of the year.
The recent heat eased up last week, bringing 20 to 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 OK, but there have been several reports of Western bean cutworm in the area.
In Altamont, Ill., Faith Kemme notes the early corn looks very good, with many producers actively applying fungicide. The later-planted corn (V10) needs rain and is starting to roll. More people in the area are actively applying fungicide than in recent years due to ample rain and intense heat and high humidity in recent weeks, ideal conditions for southern rust and other diseases. There also seems to be more awareness around the 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 two-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.
Caleb Smith in Patoka, Ind., says southwestern Indiana enjoyed one of the earliest planting seasons in history, with the crop off to a record start. An intense rain event June 25 to 27 brought 10 to 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. Many producers are replanting a large portion of corn and soybean 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.
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 rain 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 not until the last few days in September.
The countdown to the Pro Farmer Crop Tour and Yield Academy is on. Register to attend a nightly Crop Tour meeting on:
- Aug. 17 in Noblesville, Ind., or Grand Island, Neb.
- Aug. 18 in Bloomington, Ill. or Nebraska City, Neb.
- Aug. 19 in Riverside, Iowa or Spencer, Iowa
- Aug. 20 in Rochester, Minn.
Register for Yield Academy on Aug. 20 in Rochester, Minn., featuring Farm Journal Agronomists Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer and Dan Basse with AgResource Company. Your registration includes participation in the Pro Farmer Crop Tour finale.
