Iroquois County, IL
Monday and Tuesday many local farmers were busy in the fields after they dried out from the previous rain. Planting and replanting continued as well as spraying herbicides and sidedressing nitrogen. This was brought to a halt by Wednesday morning rain. We received anywhere from 1.15 up to 1.75 in. of rain. We were able to return to sidedressing nitrogen on Saturday, June 11. We finished our last field at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday just an hour and a half before the big rain. My brother and I are now waiting for the soil to dry to begin our second herbicide application.
Corn growth in the area ranges from the V2 to V8 growth stage. Most corn is in the V5-V7 stages. For comparison, in 2010 most corn was in the V9-V10 growth stages and in 2009 it ranged from V4 to V8. Soybean growth ranges from emergence up to the V5 growth stage. In 2009 soybean fields were in the V1-V2 stages and in 2010 the range was V2-V6.
The local closing bids for June 16 were $7.01 for nearby corn, $6.20 for new-crop corn, $13.57 for nearby soybeans and $13.17 for new-crop soybeans.
Spotty rains have left some areas with a ½ in. of rain or less the last few days. Early in the week we struggled to reach mid-60s temps and now are normal temperatures of mid-80s have returned.
Most all corn has reached the nitrogen and seems to be doing well. Most post weed control in corn is complete and weed pressure was minimal and control was successful. A few acres have been sidedressed with nitrogen to improve efficiency and yields.
Beans continue to look good – best start in last few years. That said, our ground always reminds me soybeans are made the last 60 days. Weed control will start soon as some pressure is showing.
I will be burying moisture blocks an hanging the Atmometer this week, in our only irrigated 1/4 to help manage water needs and conservation.
End-of-week local corn is at $5.96; soybeans are $12.47.