Rains remain hit or miss across much of the Midwest as the growing season begins to wind down for 2017. Where those storms fall could be crucial to final yields, though some fields may be too far gone already according to growers reporting Feedback From The Field last week.

Farmers noted a slight improvement overall in conditions last week for both corn and soybeans, though they rated crops only a little bit better than average. Median corn yields were 160 bpa, compared with USDA’s initial forecast for a 169.5 average. Farmers put their average soybean yield at 45.2, about 8% below USDA’s 49.4 bpa projection.

In eastern Nebraska, where dry conditioned prevailed, last week’s rains were welcomed. “Got 3-inch rain, so any more downside yield should be minimal,” said a producer near Columbus. Still, his fields rated only “fair,” or average according to the system used by USDA. That translated to 145 bushel per acre corn and 48 bushel beans.

Yields varied widely in neighboring Iowa. A grower near Waterloo in the northeastern part of the state put yield potential at 220 bpa for corn and 55 for soybeans. “We are in the ‘Garden Spot’ of Iowa,” was the report. Other growers in the region put corn yields from 200 to 235 bpa, with beans running 60 to 70 bpa.

But in western Iowa a producer was worried after doing yield checks for corn. “Kernels look like they are going to be very short and test weight likely not good,” was the verdict.

Dry conditions in the western Midwest extend down into parts of Kansas. Yield prospects in northeast areas of the state were disappointing according to a producer there who put his at 80 bpa for corn and 25 for soybeans.

“Heat and planting conditions hurt corn,” said the post. “Beans need rain to fill.”

Below normal moisture is also emerging in the eastern Corn Belt, where cold, wet conditions delayed planting. Much of that part of the growing region was missed by storms the last two weeks, making upcoming rains important to avoid losses.

“Really need rain,” wrote a grower in southwestern Illinois, putting yields at 170 for corn and 45 bpa for beans.

“All crops are going backwards,” wrote a producer in eastern Indiana who hasn’t had to mow the yard in two weeks. “Only thing saving us is cooler than normal temperatures and dew in the mornings.”

“Way too much rain early, now been dry for a month,” added a producer from northeast Indiana

Click this Feedback From The Field link to rate crops in your area and provide yield estimates in your fields. We’ll update reports with the interactive map below that lets you see what other growers are saying around the country. Click the box in the upper left-hand corner to bring up the weekly index; scroll down to see the most current week.

Follow season progress by clicking on the links below.

Feedback from the field - April 24, 2017 - Growers report slow start in northwest Corn Belt.

Feedback from the Field - April 28, 2017 - ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ isn’t the song farmers want to hear.

Feedback from the Field - May 8, 2017 - Emergence sputters as planting slows

Feedback from the Field - May 12, 2017 - Farms make progress but weather still an issue

Feedback from the Field - May 17, 2017 - Growers wary of this week’s new storms

Feedback from the Field - May 19, 2017 - Farmers face cold, wet end to May

Feedback from the Field - May 23, 2017 - Planting proceeds, questions remain

Feedback from the Field - May 26, 2017 - Some growers wonder if it will ever stop raining

Feedback from the Field - June 5, 2017 - Emerging drought threatens spring wheat crop

Feedback from the Field - June 7, 2017 - Progress, problems noted in early growing season

Feedback from the Field - June 12, 2017 - Conditions turned hot and dry last week

Feedback from the Field - June 19, 2017 - Rains improve conditions, but challenges remain

Feedback from the Field - June 26, 2017 - Crops improve but remain below average in year of extremes

Feedback from the Field - July 3, 2017 - Farmers report dire conditions on the northern Plains

Feedback from the Field - July 10, 2017 - Growers still say conditions are below USDA’s crop ratings

Feedback From The Field - July 17, 2017 - Too much or too little: No Goldilocks moment for U.S. crops

Feedback from the Field - July 31, 2017 - Growers say crops still suffering despite rain and cooler temperatures

Feedback from the Field - Aug. 7, 2017 - Growers note small improvement overall in corn and soybeans last week

Feedback from the Field - Aug. 14, 2017 - Crops improve but growers say yields are below USDA forecast