Southeast Iowa Crop Conditions

Both corn and soybeans are nearing or have reached full maturity.  Disease pressure has been a huge factor this year in corn which has resulted in parts or entire fields dying prematurely if infected and untreated.  Most common diseases could be found this year, but Southern Rust was the most notable.  Entire leaves of corn were covered in orange making it quite noticeable.  Fortunately, spraying fungicide has become more common and many acres were treated this summer.  The acres that were not treated, likely have begun harvesting their corn or it is ready to be harvested.  Full season corn hybrids, corn fields treated with fungicide and/ or fields planted in May are just reaching black layer and will dry out in the fields until October.

Within the last week, soybean harvest has gotten underway.  Early yield reports for soybeans have been favorable and above average so far.  Common diseases were present in soybeans too but not nearly at the same level as corn.  There were also isolated storm systems that produced hail with the last 7 to 10 days.  Soybeans at full maturity are very sensitive to hail damage and can result in massive yield losses in a hurry.