Corn

Corn is almost completed pollination. Corn planted before May 8 looks the best. Corn planted after this date is really showing drought stress. Soil quality and genetics seem to have the biggest impact on corn drought stress ability. Uneven pollination continues to be a problem. I would guess that yield potential at this point has been cut to 150 to 160 bushels per acre at best with optimum planting times.

Soybeans

Soybean growth remains slow. This is a defensive mechanism with many soybeans staying at the R-1/R-2 stage. Early planted soybean are starting to enter R-3 stages but this is slow.

Weeds

Weeds are really showing drought stress. This morning I saw several 3-4 ft giant ragweed with all leaves at a 90 degree angle. There are few new weeds emerging. Many soybean fields are receiving 2nd applications of glyphosate due to the slow nature of row closure.

Insects

Corn rootworm feeding continues with many adults emerging. Silk clipping by rootworm is impressive. Our first root digs indicated good pressure but also significant root regrowth. The early emergence this year along with the rainfall at the end of June helped to cause the regrowth.

Diseases

There is little disease pressure in any crops due to the dry conditions.

Thanks for reading and send some rain our way.

Fritz Koppatschek
ABG AG Services