Crop Watcher July 23 - Monsoon Season

Corn College 2010

Todd Easton Coles County July 23 2010: Rain on top of more rain once again this week in Coles County as 7 plus inches hit the ground along with some furious winds. Crops withstood the harsh weather for the most part with some damage on the west side of the county and a lot more in neighboring Moultrie County. Corn development looks to be well ahead of average and will bring an early fall to go with our late spring. The calculations found on the U of I’s WARM database supports what we are seeing out in the fields showing GDU’s for April 15 planted corn at just over 1900 which is 250 above average. Soybeans are also busy putting on pods and working to fill them and should be benefiting from all of the rainfall. By the time this hits the mailbox the Coles County Fair will just be getting started with its many shows and activities. It’s always been a great excuse to take an afternoon or two off from the farm and have fun with the family see you there.

Crop Watcher July 16 - Dog Days

Todd Easton Coles County July 16 2010: The exceptionally rainy growing season continues here in Coles County as periodic rain showers this week have brought well 2 to 3 inches of precipitation. These rain events have been separated by very hot and muggy conditions that seem to be speeding development right along. With remaining field work narrowed down to mainly just scouting many producers are finally finding time to catch up on other tasks such as mowing and grain hauling. Earlier corn fields are just entering the blister stage and looking like pollination went pretty well. Not many firm guesses ventured on this corn crops potential yet the main obstacle to record yields will be the excessive moisture not only causing numerous drowned out spots but also limited root growth that may cause nutrient uptake issues. Soybean fields are or will be beginning pod development in the next week and seem to be enjoying the moisture with the exception of the drowned out ponds which at this point will not do very well once again this year. Also judging from the size difference between the two planting windows the earlier May planted beans may have a noticeable yield advantage over the ones that couldn’t be planted until later in the month due to wet weather. Don’t forget to take it slow, keep cool, and watch out for pets and young ones outdoors during these hottest days of summer.

Crop Watcher July 9 - shaping up

Todd Easton Coles County July 9 2010: It has been a good week for crops in the Coles County area as field work is almost wrapped up and crops have been developing at a steady pace. A large majority of the corn crop completed pollination with the help of near perfect temperatures and is on the path to develop some pretty good ears. Soybeans are still in the blooming process and growing steadily. Fields all over are looking much better now that the sprayers have had their chance to take care of the weeds. Farming methods of yesteryear will be revisited next weekend as the local antique tractor club fills the Fairgrounds with equipment and displays of years past. It is a great way to remember how things were and appreciate the advances modern farming has made if you are in the area we hope to see you there.

Crop Watcher July 2 - made it

Todd Easton Coles County July 2 2010: We made it through June without getting washed away but with over 8 inches of precipitation for the month some were getting worried. Several holes have appeared in corn fields that were chest high two weeks ago where the water killed even the tall healthy plants in low areas. Corn on the higher ground is looking very good for the most part with virtually all tasseled and some in the pollination stage. The familiar buzz of the yellow spray planes is a common sound as they fly to fields all over and make fungicide applications. This year many producers are worried about disease potential after the very wet spring and seem to be treating more acres than last year. Several soybean fields are beginning to bloom and looking good with exception to the low areas and weed infestations that nobody has been able to spray until this week. The sprayers have made fast progress as most herbicide applications should be done by the Fourth. What little wheat was out has been harvested in the last week with yields reported as being ok but no records set this year. By the time this hits mailboxes Independence Day will be over but I hope everyone had a good holiday and took time to appreciate this great Nation we live in and those who made it possible.