The USDA released its weekly Illinois Crop Progress and Condition report
on Monday, highlighting how the corn and soybean crops have been doing
across the state. According to the report, the majority of the corn and
soybean crop are either in 'fair' or 'good' condition, unfortunately
not quite as progressive or healthy as last year.
It was a tough Spring for many farmers as cool
and wet conditions kept
farmers out of the fields, putting them well behind planting schedule.
The wettest month, May, flooded some of those fields with a lot of
standing water lasting through June. Dry and warm conditions occurred
at the end of June really helping to develop some of the corn crop that
had been planted, but now the excessive dry and hot weather has caused
some of those plants to suffer. While some of the corn is growing tall,
a closer inspection of the actual plant itself will show the bottom
leaves beginning to 'fire'. Early firing means there is a nitrogen
deficiency in the soil, causing the lower part of the corn plant to
begin to turn yellow. If it continues, the yellow color will turn brown
leading to the lower leaves dying. Farmers have also noted the top
corn leaves beginning to 'curl' as they try to conserve moisture during
the hottest part of the afternoon. With little rain in the forecast
there is some concern that if a decent rain doesn't occur soon, the ears
won't produce.
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