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Preliminary Route Report with Brent Judisch, western Tour consultant
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Nebraska—Districts 6 & 9—Hamilton, York, Filmore, Saline and Gage Counties
Corn yield range: 64 to 218 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 186.0 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 203 to 1,491
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,123
Please share a few (one to three) comments from your route:
We drove through a small area this morning that is the driest spot in the state and another area nearly 10 miles long and 5 miles wide which will be zeroed out due to hail damage. We were in irrigated fields all morning, which were mostly good, but we’re now heading to unirrigated areas that look a bit healthier. Cutworms have been notable in several irrigated corn fields, though insect pressure has been low in soybeans. Nebraska corn crop is consistent outside of some small areas. There is potential for a record crop but given 40% of the state is dryland, crops will need rains to finish.
Preliminary Route Report with Brian Grete, eastern Tour leader
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Indiana Districts 4 & 5—Boone, Hendricks, Putnam, Parke and Vermillion Counties
Corn yield range: 148.6 to 227.9 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 201 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 291.3 to 2,007.2
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,387.0
Please share a few (one to three) comments from your route:
I think it got generally drier as we approached the Illinois border. However, ear populations were high, with generally good ear length. We did see one field with Tar Spot that will keep it from yielding what we measured. Overall, crops look good, just need to get to the finish line.
Preliminary Route Report with Chip Flory, western Tour leader
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Nebraska—Districts 6 & 9 Clay, Saline, Gage, Lancaster and Otoe Counties
Corn yield range: 107 to 170.4 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 147.0 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 648 to 1,130
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 930
Please share a few comments from your route:
We’ve seen drought stress and disease, including Southern Rust, and a robust population of Western Bean Cutworms. I’m seeing stuff that’s really disappointing, but I’m certain there will be plenty of good crops to help offset the problems in this localized area. In soybeans, pod fill is behind, though weed pressure is light. We did come across a field in Gage County that had white mold with dead plants.
Preliminary Route Report with Mark Bernard, eastern Tour consultant
What counties (with state and district) have you sampled from?
Indiana—Districts 1, 2 & 5—Tipton, Howard, Miami, Cass, White, Jasper and Benton Counties
Corn yield range: 135 to 250 bu. per acre
Corn yield average: 182.0 bu. per acre
Soybean pod count range in 3’x3’ square: 570 to 2,386
Soybean pod count average in 3’x3’ square: 1,333
Please share a few comments from your route:
We’ve been in a few fields in Indiana with Gray Leaf Spot and Tar Spot and another field with some wind damage. Another field we sampled was already at half milk line, so headed down the homestretch of maturity due to early planting. We did find one field that had a pretty severe soybean aphid infestation and also saw some Japanese Beetles as well as Bean Leaf Beatles. Soybeans have had very little disease but did find small amounts of SDS here and there. Weed pressure has been minimal throughout this particular area.
ASA criticizes EPA’s final ESA herbicide strategy for complexity, cost, and stringent requirements, urges collaboration for practical solutions…The American Soybean Association (ASA) has expressed disappointment and concern over the EPA’s final Endangered Species Act (ESA) Herbicide Strategy. While acknowledging some improvements, ASA President Josh Gackle criticized the strategy for its complexity, potential costs, and stringent requirements, which he fears may not be practical for farmers. The ASA also believes the EPA’s method of evaluating pesticide risks is overly conservative and could impose unnecessary restrictions. The organization plans to closely monitor the strategy’s implementation and hopes to collaborate with the EPA to make it more workable for agriculture.
Democrats boosted by Harris’ nomination, aim to flip key House seats in New York and California, as GOP raises alarms…Democrats, energized by Kamala Harris’s nomination and replacing Biden on the ticket, are optimistic about flipping key House seats in New York and California to secure a majority. This shift in confidence comes after concerns that Biden might drag down the party’s chances. The Democratic campaign arm plans to invest heavily in these races, with leaders like Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) expressing confidence in their ability to win crucial districts. Meanwhile, Republicans are raising alarms about the potential for Democrats to overtake them in the upcoming elections.
We checked in for the opinion of David Wasserman, Senior Editor & Elections Analyst of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter. His response: “I say 55% chance of GOP hold… average scenario is minimal net change.”