Crop Conditions

Weather across the Midwest this growing season has not been perfect, but overall things are looking pretty good. It seems that every year at least 10% of the Corn Belt is too dry and another 10% is too wet. This season, it’s been too wet in portions of the Eastern Corn Belt and Northern Plains, while the western side continues to be too dry. Here in our trade territory, weather has been active with thunderstorms occurring nearly every week, including a few localized areas of storm damage. Rainfall totals have been variable, but on average we’ve received just enough moisture to maintain good crop conditions. However, deeper soil moisture remains below normal, so continued rainfall will be needed as we move into the middle of the growing season.

Temperatures have shifted from above average earlier in June to below average more recently. The long-range outlook continues to favor cooler-than-average temperatures along with above-average chances for precipitation, which I would say is generally non-threatening to crops. The USDA’s June 14 Crop Progress Report rated the U.S. corn crop at 68% good-to-excellent and soybeans at 66% good-to-excellent. While those ratings are not quite as strong as this time last year, they are above historical averages.

Most corn fields are in good to excellent condition and are entering the rapid growth phase. Plant heights range from 1 to 4 feet depending on planting date and local growing conditions. The recent cool-down will slow growth somewhat and could delay pollination if it persists into July, but it will also help reduce stress in areas where soil moisture is lacking. We are watching for corn diseases like southern rust and tar spot. Both diseases were big problems in 2024 and 2025, but it is still too early to determine if they will be widespread this season.

Soybeans are also in good condition, mostly from 4 to 12 inches tall. Fields planted in 30-inch rows have not closed in the rows yet, but some narrower-row fields are approaching full canopy. Flowering has begun in some soybean fields. It’s way too early to make any yield predictions, because most of the soybean yield potential is determined by weather in August. At this point, the crops have good yield potential.