Iroquois County, IL

On July 24, we received 0.4-0.85 in. of rain – our first rain since July 1. That left our farms with a range of 1-1.4 in. of rain for the month of July compared to our historical average of 4.22 in. Although, it is raining as I write this report.

The range in corn development is from the VT growth stage to R3, or milk stage. Our corn planted on June 3 just began to pollinate. That field has been rolling leaves for close to three weeks.

Fungicide applications continued in cornfields over the past week. We have sprayed slightly over 40% of our corn acres. The heat and dry weather in July has caused severe damage to yield potential in areas of our fields that were not able to develop deeper root systems.

Soybean development in the area ranges from R2 up to R4.

The local closing bids for July 28 were $7.08 for nearby corn, $6.63 for new-crop corn, $13.68 for nearby soybeans and $13.37 for new-crop soybeans.

Milford, NE

Rains in the area have been spotty at best. Temps have been the 90-100° F range, and after two weeks gave way to a high of 87° yesterday. The forecast back up today and for the upcoming week.

We have 300 acres south of us that has not had moisture since July 5.  That corn pollinated ok but I know a lot of corn in the area didn't and people are looking at 40% yield losses as a result. Corn is in the R3 milk stage and is starting to show some heat stress. At this time I would say 100% of my corn acres are still good to excellent, but will change dramatically over the next week without moisture. I have applied 1½ in. to our irrigated acres over the last week.

Beans are at R3 beginning pod. I see no signs of soybean aphids, but see the heat stress late in the day. We are beginning the critical time for adequate moisture and need some cooler evenings to help them out.

We have a small grasshopper problem on field borders as they have moved in from the dry grass. Most producers are just monitoring conditions or irrigating at this time.

We delivered our combine to our local JD dealership to go through the service program on Tuesday. Can't believe harvest could be in less than eight weeks. 

Thursday new-crop local closing bids were $6.31 for corn and $12.84 for soybeans.