Precipitation

USDA reports 73% of the corn crop nationally is in good to excellent condition – a 5% increase over this same time in 2024. Industry analysts believe the Aug. 12 Crop Production report will boost its estimate for the 2025 crop because of the overall favorable growing season.

Nebraska grower Brian Herbek says a ‘finishing pass’ can help fill corn ears all the way to their tips with kernels and pack on more starch in the process. Hear more of Herbek’s insights along with David Hula and Randy Dowdy on Breaking Barriers With R&D.

Just as corn growers were ready to put their pollination problems behind them, another one comes along. This time, the issue had to do with moisture occurring at the wrong time, and the results are significantly impacting yield.

Both diseases are showing up earlier this summer than last year, according to Daren Mueller, Iowa State University plant pathologist. He says a new interactive tool from the Crop Protection Network can help farmers locate these diseases, and others, faster.

So far, the problem has been confirmed in four states. Agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout crops, estimate yield impacts in affected fields and determine whether to make adjustments to marketing plans.

Obsessing over rain, or the lack of it, is a skill every farmer has mastered. Here are 20 phrases you’ve likely muttered more than once.

As big yield estimates are being thrown around so early, it’s stoking an intense debate. However, that’s not stopping the trade chatter. With talk of a new national corn yield record, it’s pressuring prices, with many farmers staring at cash corn with a $3 handle.

Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.

While USDA’s crop condition ratings don’t translate to a specific yield, with strong conditions, analysts say it’s possible the U.S. will see a national record corn yield this year. Current market chatter is a national corn yield anywhere from 185 bu. to 200 bu. per acre.

That percentage doesn’t tell the complete story, however. While farmers in the West and southeast Texas have endured weeks of dry conditions that’s not been the case in the central Corn Belt where growing conditions have been excellent.