Ron Haase, Iroquois County, Illinois

It finally rained on May 31. We had a gentle shower that produced a range of rainfall of 0.5-0.75 in. The only other rain we received during May was on May 7. Side dressing of nitrogen, herbicide application, and roadside mowing were the major farm activities prior to the rain.

Corn development in the area ranges from V1 up to V7. At V6, the growing point moves above ground and the stalk is beginning a period of increased elongation. The at V5-V6 was leaning over after the winds that came last night. The younger or older corn was still standing straight up. Area soybean development ranges from V1 to V2. At V2 nitrogen fixation is beginning.

Last year at this time we were fighting mud, while this year has been the opposite with dry soils. I only mowed my lawn once in the month of May, which is unusual. Replanting of corn and soybean has made growth uneven in those fields.

The local closing bids for May 31 were $5.84 for nearby corn, $4.90 for new-crop corn, $4.84 for fall 2013 corn, $13.32 for nearby soybeans and $12.36 for new-crop soybeans.