Preliminary Route Report with Brent Judisch, western Tour consultant
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Iowa: Districts 4 & 1—Harrison, Monona, Woodbury, Plymouth
Corn yield range: 174 to 242 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 207 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 0 to 2124
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 967
Please share a few (one to three) comments from your route:
We have seen a lot of southern rust, consistently almost in every field. Almost every sample of corn had either an earworm or western soybean cutworm. Soil moisture looks good, no cracks in the ground or evidence of lacking moisture. The soybeans have been healthy—we’ve not seen any white mold, sudden death or aphids in soybeans—but just haven’t seen the pod counts we should be seeing. This area received more than 20 inches of rain in May and June, which is likely a factor. It has been an absolute ideal day to sample crops.
Preliminary Route Report with Brian Grete, eastern Tour leader
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Illinois: Districts 4 & 1—Marshall, Peoria, Starke, Henry and Whiteside
Corn yield range: 142.8 to 260.5 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 204.3 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 673 to 1,570
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,174
Please share a few (one to three) comments from your route:
The corn crop is really good, though there is more variability than I was anticipating. It’s apparent that weather during planting caused some emergence troubles, evidenced by the noticeable skips and blank stalks. There are some great yields, though there are some issues that could pull the overall average down. Soybean pods have been consistent but have not been eye popping, like in Indiana yesterday. We also know, though, that it takes less pods to produce a bushel in Illinois, so we have to keep that in mind.
Preliminary Route Report with Chip Flory, western Tour leader
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Iowa: Districts 4 & 1—Caroll, Calhoun, Pocahontas, Buena Vista and Clay Counties
Corn yield range: 159.5 to 236.5 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 201 bu. per acre.
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 757 to 1,778
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,253
Please share a few comments from your route:
The last two bean fields that we were in had some blooms left on the plants and were also loaded with aphids—for the stage of development on those crops at the levels that we’re seeing is concerning. The thing is, we’ve been in fields with aphids before and know they are destructive. Although with the challenges this area has had, weed control is really good. The corn is still green, and plant health is good, but we’re starting to see some discolored spots and drowned out areas as we get closer to Clay County.
Preliminary Route Report with Mark Bernard, eastern Tour consultant
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Illinois: Districts 1 & 4--Woodford, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau, Stark, Whiteside
Corn yield range: 144 to 252.0 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 200 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 750 to 2,114
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,404
Please share a few comments from your route:
Corn was impressive, but variable just the same. I think we found some things out here that indicate flesh wounds, such as hail damage and fired lower leaves. However, we didn’t travel prime farmland in the state, and to come up with a 200 bu. average is pretty impressive. The soybean crop is solid, especially for the area traveled. There was some insect activity, though beneficial insects seemed to be keeping them in check rather well. Did note some SDS here and there, though likely won’t be a major problem due it’s late arrival.