Regional Crop Update 6/10

Jun 10, 2024


Cedar/Scott County, IA
Over the last two weeks, our run of moisture has continued in Eastern Iowa. Corn postemergence applications are nearing the end as we approach the start of postemergence soybean applications. Corn topdress urea applications are in full force as the early planted corn approaches V8-V9. There have been quite a few fields of corn showing sulfur deficiency, but overall, our corn crop should be classified as good/excellent. There have been pockets here and there of hail damage where growers did need to replant. Looking at the extended forecast, we should expect some excellent growing conditions for our corn and soybeans in the coming weeks. 

Jackson/Clinton County, Iowa
Corn and bean planting has wrapped up, except for the isolated areas needing replanting due to hail damage. Ground conditions have become saturated in some places, and farmers have even experienced ponding for the first time in what feels like years. Post-corn applications are moving right along, and in a few days, we could start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Overall, the corn crop looks good, and due to the rains, some questionable planting timing decisions have been rectified. The beans are off to a good start, and we could see the first big wave of post-emerge applications starting in the coming weeks. While the rain has done mostly good for the corn and bean crops, it has seemed to be quite problematic for the farmers trying to make first-crop hay. The front half of this week looks good weather-wise, which will be conducive for us to near the end of postemergence corn applications.

Sperry, IA
SE Iowa has been moving right along in the growing season this last month, with most days being over 85 and lots of sunshine. Overall, there is a big spread in crop sizes, with some corn at v6 and some corn just emerging. Some of the bigger weather events this month were the band of hail that went through the north side of Wapello and 2 inches of pounding rain that forced a lot of rotary hoeing two weeks ago. Looking forward, we are looking at a lot of disease pressure from the warm and wet spring, with some reports of tar spots already in corn. Cutworms have also been a significant factor, as corn and soybeans were planted into rye or heavy weed residue in no-till fields. Compaction is also a big deal this year, traffic lines are very visible and, in some cases, two or three stages behind. We didn’t get any ground freeze this winter, and it is very visible anywhere that it didn’t get deep ripped. 

Kasbeer & Annawan, IL
The last two weeks have provided lots of opportunities to apply side-dress nitrogen and post-emergent herbicide onto many of the acres throughout our region. Much of the corn in the area has reached full canopy or will be within the week, while 15-inch soybeans are not very far behind as far as canopy closure. As we reach canopy closure in both crops, we create an even better environment for many diseases and insect pests to thrive out in the field. Therefore, it is critical to check fields for any issues that can potentially be addressed with a fungicide, insecticide, or foliar nutrient pass in the near future.

​Galva/Camp Grove, IL
Northern Illinois is experiencing a bit of a dry spell, with most areas accumulating less than 1” of rain. A long planting window has led to a wide variance of development in both corn and soybeans; however, most corn is V5 – V6, and soybeans are about V3. Cooler, wet weather in May has created the perfect conditions for the onset of crown rot in earlier planted corn. Growers should consider making a post-application of fungicide if they haven’t already. Overall, crop conditions are great in this area, with the exception of some later planted soybeans that are struggling to emerge through crusted ground. The slight rain this area received last week helped with this issue tremendously.

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Oct 17, 2024

Seth Landwehr, Decision Ag Specialist

Harvest is in full swing, and it’s easy to look at the hybrid or variety planted as the sole dictator on yield. Don’t forget to also consider the fertilizer and chemical decisions made throughout the year that went into this crop. Make sure the hard work and time that you put into this crop doesn’t get forgotten or lost. Collecting harvest information across your farms is a great way to dissect this year’s decisions while analyzing next year’s to drive future decisions. Reach out if you would like help gathering your harvest information to help break down this year’s yields.

Sep 10, 2024
Even as fall approaches, farmers are already planning for the following planting season. Ensuring your soil is well-prepared and nutrient-rich is essential for successful yields. This year, consider enhancing your crop yields and soil health with MicroSync Pro, a cutting-edge micronutrient fertilizer designed to meet the needs of modern agriculture. Here’s why MicroSync Pro should be your go-to choice this fall.
Aug 22, 2024
Our account managers took over 800 samples between Iowa and Illinois, on August 19th through the 22nd. The summary of yield averages are shown below, providing insights into potential corn and soybean production. 

To view updates from this past week on social media, visit the RVCTwitter account @RVCooperative or search the hashtag #RVCcroptour24