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Agronomists say Illinois crops have good potential despite moisture differences
The split between dryer weather in northern Illinois and wetter conditions further south have created separate challenges for corn and beans this growing season, but agronomists say crops are faring well.
“I think our potential is still pretty darn good.”
Kurt Maertens, covering western Illinois for BASF tells Brownfield for corn farmers, “The biggest concern growers probably have right now especially in the southern part of the state from all that early rain, is the unevenness of the crop. That throws a wrench into making their herbicide applications and later on their fungicide applications.”
He says dry conditions are more of a concern as you head north, but the forecast looks promising.
“It looks like maybe a chance for rain here at the end of the month which is going to be nice because a lot of our corn is going to start pollinating shortly after that.”
Jason Carr with Bayer says the more developed root systems of earlier planted soybeans are really helping plants in dryer areas.
“I pulled some plants yesterday and there is a very distinct difference between the ones that were planted in April and even the ones planted May 3rd. Those ones with the bigger root system that goes down deeper are weathering these conditions better.”
Carr also serves as a certified crop advisor Soy Envoy for the Illinois Soybean Association based in Woodford County.
