cropCENTRAL | Field Crop Production Resources

Southern rust of corn, caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora, has recently been confirmed in counties of Indiana and Kentucky bordering southern Illinois. While not yet confirmed in Illinois this season, its proximity makes it important to stay alert, scout actively, and be prepared to manage the disease if it arrives.
Recognizing Southern Rust
Southern rust produces small, orange to light-brown pustules typically found on the upper surface of corn leaves, often concentrated in the upper canopy.…

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2025 crop progress
Despite intermittent delays in southern Illinois and replanting in some areas, the 2025 planting season has largely tracked the 5-year average of 2020-2024. The winter wheat development lagged through May, but picked up in June, with harvest progress similar to recent years. That meant normal doublecrop soybean planting progress.
Corn crop ratings improved through June, rising from 63% good + excellent (G+E) on June 2 to 74% by June 22,…

Steve Brand– Commercial Agriculture Specialist
Grundy and DeKalb Counties
Soil Conditions: Mildly Dry (soil is drier than normal, plant growth may have slowed)
Another dry week for northern IL with a few isolated storms occurring further west or in Chicago. We have slid back into a predominantly D1 drought, with large areas of Kane and Will County entering into a D2 drought. Corn and soybeans have started to grow out of the early season stunting,…

July 16 – Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center Field Day
July 23 – Monmouth Field Day
July 24 – Ewing Demonstration Center Field Day
July 25 – Hemp Research Open House

Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center Field Day
Event Date: Wednesday, July 16, All Day
Location: 37804 State Highway 104, Baylis, IL 62314
Sponsor: Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois
Contact Name: Luke Merritt
Contact E-Mail: lukem@illinois.edu
EVENT DETAILS:
To be guaranteed a meal,…