Crop Conditions

Our region has been under a high-pressure ridge for the past 10 days, bringing hot temperatures and very little rainfall. The good news: crop stress has been limited so far, thanks to rain that fell just before this stretch began, plus high humidity, which has also helped ease the strain on crops. The heat is expected to persist for a few more days before moderating next week. Longer-range outlooks point to cooler temperatures ahead, but unfortunately, they don’t show great chances of rain yet.

Corn is now pollinating (full tassel), will continue for about another week. This time will determine the crop’s maximum kernel number. Most fields remain in good to excellent condition, though lighter soil areas are showing drought stress, with leaves beginning to roll during peak afternoon heat. Cooler weather ahead should help ease the stress, but additional rain will still be needed soon.

Disease pressure in corn is lower than the past two seasons at this point, but that can change quickly. Most fields will still receive a fungicide application soon, because fungicides work best as a preventive not a curative, so timing applications before disease appears is best.

Soybeans are at full bloom; they are producing branches and flowers. Over the next couple of weeks, they’ll shift more into pod development. We’re keeping an eye on disease pressure, as well as soybean aphids, which favor cool, dry conditions that may be on the way. Ultimately, soybean yield will come down to August weather during pod fill.