For much of the growing season, farmers reporting Feedback From The Field voiced concerns about a variety of challenges: Too much rain, or too little. Temperatures that were much too hot, or early in the season, much too cool.

But as the second half of summer got underway producers sounded more optimistic again about their changes. While threats remain, overall conditions reported by farmers improved noticeably for both corn and soybeans. Though farmer assessments remain below those from weekly ratings put out in USDA’s Crop Progress reports, more producers said crops were in good or excellent shape.

“Corn/soybean look excellent,” said a producer in eastern Iowa. “Planted on time to a week late, but now a week or two ahead.”

Still, even this grower noted some pitfalls to avoid after a hot first half of the growing season: ”Experience gives caution with hot weather, especially the higher nighttime temps.“

Another Iowa farmer, from the northwest part of the state hit by heavy rain, also noted improvement. “Soybean fields are starting to green up finally after all the rain and flooding,” was the update. “Corn is starting to tassel.”

Fields are finished pollinating in parts of central Illinois, where overall conditions are strong. “Without hail or no rain in August, yields should be like last 3 years,” was the report.

Still, in many areas it’s been a topsy-survey season that’s seen everything. Said a Kentucky farmer: “In Western Kentucky we went from floods and rain every day to corn trying to fill ears that hasn't had rain in three weeks. Complete 180.”

What’s happening out your way? Click this Feedback From The Field link to rate crops in your area and provide comments about your fields. We’ll update reports frequently 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 along with the season here:

Feedback From The Field - July 12, 2018 - Yield potential ranges from boom to bust.

Feedback From The Field - July 9, 2018 - Growers voice concerns about conditions.

Feedback From The Field - July 2, 2018 - Crops hang on despite hot week.

Feedback From the Field - June 25, 2018 - Heavy rains help some fields, hurt others growers say.

Feedback From the Field - June 18, 2018 - Corn ratings slip after a hot week with hit-or-miss rains.

Feedback From the Field - June 11, 2018 - Corn improves but weekend rains could be crucial.

Feedback From the Field - June 4, 2018 - Crop conditions hold steady, but not as strong as USDA’s ratings.

Feedback From the Field - May 21, 2018 - Will corn planting progress meet the market’s models?

Feedback From the Field - May 14, 2018 - Planting progress hit or miss in the second week of May.

Feedback From the Field - May 7, 2018 - Growers make rapid planting progress outside the far north.

Feedback From the Field - May 2, 2018 - Some growers welcome this week’s rains.

Feedback From The Field - April 30, 2018 - More growers get into the field over the weekend.

Feedback From The Field - April 23, 2018 - April ending with cold, wet conditions stalling planting.

Feedback From The Field - April 19, 2018 - Rain, snow, fires and mud – this spring has it all.

Feedback From The Field - April 18, 2018 - Welcome to springtime in the Midwest.

Feedback From The Field - April 16, 2018 - Interactive tool helps growers share conditions.