August Brings Relief and Challenges to Illinois Corn Crop

The corn crop in Illinois is at a critical juncture as August comes to an end. The month has brought both relief and challenges for farmers in different regions of the state.

In southern Illinois and southwestern Indiana, Syngenta agronomist Phil Krieg described August as 'favorable' due to adequate moisture for grain fill and development. Storms were scarce, maintaining good standability.

However, in west-central Illinois, along with parts of Missouri, BASF agronomist Jared Roskamp felt a sense of 'relief'. The region received much-needed rain in August, breaking the heat cycle from July and potentially providing last-minute help for grain fill needs on corn and soybeans.

In northwestern Illinois, Beck's agronomist Drew Beckman observed a 'dramatic' progression of corn. Despite initial expectations of foliar disease infection, the crop remained healthy but began weakening from crown and stalk rots as August drew to a close. Weather fluctuations contributed to these issues.