Midwest Crops Get Reprieve from Timely Rainfall Amid Southern Rust Concerns

The Midwest corn and soybean crop has been getting timely rainfall in some areas of Indiana, but southern rust has appeared in pockets across the state. The rain events have provided just enough moisture for crops to push through the dry spell, with localized areas receiving around 2 inches of precipitation in early August.

Brian Scott, a farmer from Delphi, Ind., noted that the well-timed rainfall has kept his crops moving along and is hopeful they will reach maturity. However, disease pressure remains low across the state, with tar spot pressure in corn on par with recent years.

In Ohio, favorable weather has supported crop development and recovery from early-season stresses, with most areas experiencing good to excellent soil moisture levels. The overall corn crop is rated as good to excellent statewide, although April-planted corn in southern Ohio experienced setbacks during a mid-July heat wave.

Southern rust was first confirmed on July 23 in Williamson County, Illinois, and has since been detected in multiple counties across the state's southern third. University of Illinois plant pathologist Boris Camiletti advised corn growers to begin scouting for the disease, especially in fields with susceptible hybrids that haven't yet reached later production stages.