IP Crop Network: November 11 report

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The first snow has begun to fly in locations around the Midwest. In the past 72 hours, snowfall has been seen as far west as Rapid City, and throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Luckily, most farmers have finished harvest early and are able to miss harvesting in the snow. With the continuing U.S. government shutdown pausing USDA reports, we’d like to extend a special thank you to our farmer and industry contacts for providing their harvest updates for this week’s report. 

Wisconsin is wrapping up corn harvest with record or near record yields, and storage is at a premium. Soybeans and dry beans are finished, with yields above average in most areas, and quality ranges from good to excellent. Soils are dry and very little rainfall has occurred over the past 60 days, making harvest one of the smoothest and most stress free of recent years.    

In Illinois, one farmer said they’d never been done harvesting this early. Typically, farmers in the area plan to be busy up until Thanksgiving, but this year they have completed harvesting, cover crop planting and fertilizer applications, all before the first snow. This past weekend, the state saw piles up to 10” of snow in certain parts of the state. Yields have been good, though not as good as last year, but corn yields were above annual production history. 

Minnesota harvest is also close to being finished across the state. In many areas, harvest finished early, which allowed for early tillage. The amount of rain during the season led to early growth, but increased disease pressure towards the end of the season. Yields were good across the state but could have been better without the disease pressure. In northwestern Minnesota, where disease pressure was low, some fields reached record yields of 55 to 60 bushels per acre. This season also marked the first appearance of Red Crown Rot in the state, which could become a problem in the future.  

According to NOAA’s October 2025 outlook, a weak La Niña is expected to bring slightly cooler and wetter conditions through winter and early spring (Figure 1). That means soils may stay wet longer before drying out closer to April. If you have cover crops in your rotation, this is something to consider in the field. Winter-killed cover crops will help retain soil moisture early in the spring, but winter-hardy cover crops will use it up more quickly due to their early spring growth.

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports, when available.

IP Crop Network: October 28 report

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Harvest season is coming to a close across the Upper Midwest, and our farmers are working hard to finish their fields before the first snow flies. With the continuing U.S. government shutdown pausing USDA reports, we’d like to extend a special thank you to our farmer and industry contacts for providing their harvest updates for this week’s report. 

Soybean and dry beans are over 90% wrapped up in Wisconsin, with average-to-above-average yields across the region. Quality is excellent and most producers are well satisfied with the final production. Corn grain harvest is in full swing with yields running among the best in the last 3-4 years, although moisture levels are stubbornly slow to come down. Producers who chose hybrids with good resistance to leaf disease or those who invested in fungicides are reaping healthy rewards while those who tried to save some money by skipping the sound agronomic practices are mostly disappointed. The scattered acres of sunflowers are yet to be harvested due to higher moisture levels. All things considered, growers are happy with yields. With prices? Not so much! 

Soybean harvest is nearly complete across North Dakota. A warm and open fall allowed steady progress until this week, when rain and colder temperatures slowed the remaining fieldwork. Most of the remaining soybeans will likely be higher moisture due to the inability to air dry soybeans at the current temperatures before winter. Corn harvest continues, but recent moisture has delayed activity as producers wait for grain to dry. For 2025, soybean acreage and yields are slightly below last year. Field reports indicate average yields around 37 bu/acre, resulting in an estimated total production of 241 million bushels from 6.5 million harvested acres. While early forecasts suggested above-average yields, actual production appears near the five-year average, and margins remain tight. Quality is generally good, but seed size will likely be a little smaller than average. 

In Southeast Michigan, most people are close to being done with soybeans, but there are still some in the fields. Corn harvest still has a long way to go, since rain delayed harvest last week. The yields are quite good, but are delayed by the dryer trying to dry all the bushels. Cover crops have been planted by one farmer right behind the combine, so having some rain last week should help to get those going. 

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports, when available.

IP Crop Network: October 14 report

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Harvest is going strong in the upper Midwest. Many soybeans are completely harvested, and farmers are getting ready to switch over to corn harvesting. With the current U.S. government shutdown pausing USDA reports, we’d like to extend a special thank you to our farmer and industry contacts for providing their harvest updates for this week’s report.

In Wisconsin, soybean harvest is rapidly nearing the finish line for most producers. Yields are overall running well ahead of last year but likely near a record in the northwest area. Harvest weather has allowed nearly nonstop harvesting, but soybeans have been much dryer than the standard 13% with many in the 8-10% range over the past week. Kidney beans and black bean harvest is also nearly finished with good yields. The dry weather has made skin checks a concern and producers have had to manage accordingly. In the northwest, October has only registered about a half inch of precipitation. Season ending frost has only been sporadic and some areas are wishing for some cold weather to end the growing season. Cover crops are being planted on many acres and winter wheat seeding is completed with emergence just beginning on most acres. Corn harvest is just beginning with moistures rumored to be from 18-24%. Corn yields are highly dependent on disease pressures of rust, anthracnose and tar spot.

Figure 1: Average temperature (F): Departure from Mean (Oct. 1-13, 2025)

One identity preserved (IP) farmer in Minnesota finished combining natto beans about two weeks ago. He reports that field conditions were nice and the quality of the natto was good. Moisture was around 11%. October’s above-average temperatures have accelerated soybean harvest across Minnesota. Over the past two weeks, temperatures have been 2 to 10°F above normal (Figure 1), enabling rapid field operations. However, hot afternoon conditions have lowered soybean moisture levels to 8–9%, forcing farmers to adjust their combines several times a day to prevent harvest losses. As temperatures cooled last week, soybean moisture improved to 12–14%, leading to smoother harvest conditions. Harvest is now well ahead of schedule in central and southern Minnesota and progressing steadily in the north.

Our farmer reporter in Michigan is almost done with their soybean harvest. Overall, they have yielded about average due to the small bean size stemming from lack of rain in the late summer. Soybean harvest for that farmer should be fully completed by Wednesday and will start corn harvest immediately after. Most of his neighbors have been harvesting but still have quite a few acres to go.

In North Dakota, soybean quality appears to be very good this year in all areas. About 75% is harvested and yields are variable. The early frost experienced on Sept. 6 and 7 appears to have affected yields more than most people thought and is leading to below average yields across North Dakota and northern Minnesota. Wisconsin and southern Minnesota regions are having above average yields on their food grade soybeans.

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports.

IP Crop Network: September 23 report

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Preparations are ramping up for harvest across the Midwest. If farmers aren’t in the field already, they likely will be before the next crop report comes out. 61% of soybeans throughout all soybean-growing states have dropped leaves, and 56% of corn throughout all corn-growing states has matured.  

In Michigan, soybeans are all dropping leaves, except some small areas of late replants. Throughout the state, 68% of soybeans have dropped their leaves. Earlier planted varieties are within a week of being ready to harvest. Time will tell how much the late drought has affected the soybean size and yield, but most of them still look to be pretty decent. In the broader southeast Michigan area, there are some soybean fields being harvested within the last week and corn silage is also being chopped. Corn is getting close to black layer, but most is half milk line or more so still has a few days to go. Corn throughout the state is mostly within the fair to good range. There has been timely rain and warmth in the past week to help things finish up. 

The mild but continued damp weather in Wisconsin has pushed maturity, as most soybeans have colored and are in leaf drop (R7-R8). 46% of soybeans have dropped their leaves, which is 5% below the 5-year average. The very earliest beans are ready for harvest once the weather gives the seeds a chance to dry to acceptable levels. Disease levels are variable with some phytophthora in lower areas and scattered SDS. White mold seems to be only noticeable on the irrigated acres. Edible bean harvest has been slow but continues, as rain regularly makes a continued level of activity difficult to sustain. Yields appear to be above average but not record in any way. Corn silage has been happening on sandy soils and is now beginning on the silt loams and heavier soil types. Rain is a challenge here as well, and most are looking forward to a dryer stretch to accelerate progress. Corn diseases are quite apparent with tar spot, southern rust and anthracnose being found across the region. Genetic variation seems to be the main reason for variation between fields, followed by crop rotation and fungicide usage. Most producers are concerned with current prices, which are all below the costs of production.  

Minnesota has been wet, and there was an additional 3.2” of rain late last week, saturating the already wet soil. 77% of the topsoil and subsoil are in the adequate range, while over 13% falls in the surplus range. Natto bean harvest will begin in one farmers’ field as soon as the ground dries out enough to sustain that. Fields look a little uneven due to the moisture levels, so yield predictions will come after the combine gets rolling. 94% of soybeans fall in the fair to excellent condition range, which will hopefully be reflected in the yields. 

In a drastic change from Minnesota, Illinois is in an extreme drought index. There hasn’t been rain in the east-central portion of the state for a long time. Soybean harvest is starting this week, and 12% of corn has already been harvested. As harvest ramps up, dust is heavy, and fires are a big concern. Yields are unknown at this time, but moisture looks to be very low on identity preserved soybeans, which should help. 64% of soybeans fall within the fair to good range. 

The crops are maturing nicely across North Dakota. With above normal temperatures for the next 10 days, the majority of fields have little risk of early frost. North Dakota farmers will likely start harvesting some fields soon, but the majority of the area is still about 7-10 days from starting harvest. Yields should be above average and good quality is anticipated. Much of the eastern part of the state received good rainfall over the past week so that should help maintain seed moisture as opposed to a dry harvest last year.

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports.

IP Crop Network: September 9 report

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For farmers in the South, harvest is well underway. In the Upper Midwest, however, corn & soybean harvest is still an arm’s length away. Dry conditions have been mostly helpful, but temperatures have started to cool off, which is slowing the drying process. 

In Illinois, some farmers will begin harvesting corn around Sept. 11. Corn was recently measured at 25-28% moisture, which is a little high yet, but should dry down quickly. Statewide, only 2% of the corn has been harvested, so it’s still very early. Last year was a record corn year, and while this year won’t be as good as that, it should still be an above average corn year. Beans are starting to dry out, and harvest should be able to start soon on those as well. With the lack of moisture in the area, fire is a big concern.  

Michigan has had cooler temperatures in early September, so things have slowed down a bit. Corn needs more heat to finish, and only 3% of the corn is mature across the state. Early soybeans are starting to turn yellow but need at least another three weeks before harvest. There have been a couple timely rains recently to move the crop through, but it looks to be dry for the foreseeable future, which should help to dry the crops down for harvest. 

Fields are finally starting to dry up and beans are starting to turn in Minnesota. Farmers are hoping to be combining by the end of the month. About 4% of the soybeans across the state have dropped leaves, and pods have filled nicely. There didn’t seem to be much insect pressure this year, and 75% of soybeans fall within the good-to-excellent range.  

Soybeans across Wisconsin are moving into the later reproductive stages, with most fields sitting between R6 (full seed) and R7 (beginning maturity). The early-planted fields look really solid – good standability, healthy canopies and consistent development. Later-planted acres are a little more variable but still holding decent yield potential. The weather has been on the farmer’s side lately, with cooler days and mild nights helping seed fill along. Moisture has been hit or miss depending on location – fields that caught timely rains look great, while lighter soils and drier pockets could use another shot of moisture. The rain in this week’s forecast should give later-planted beans a nice push toward the finish line. Overall, crop conditions are still sitting in the good-to-excellent range. Pod counts are strong, seed size potential looks promising, and those April/early May planted beans are leading the way with excellent uniformity and health. Later-planted beans are still filling seeds and will need a little cooperation from the weather through mid-September to maximize yields. If the cooler trend holds, maturity could slow down a bit, pushing harvest back. Right now, it looks like the first fields will be ready by the last week of September, with most acres shaping up for early to mid-October harvest. Corn is mostly all dented in the northern part of the state and is at 54% throughout the whole state. Yield looks to be above average but not record. Black bean and kidney bean harvesting is in full swing, and yields are good. Wheat harvest has been done for awhile and most will not make milling quality as falling numbers and vomitoxin levels are the challenge after so much moisture this summer. 

North Dakota soybeans are progressing through the R4 to R5 stages, with 15% of the crop beginning to drop leaves. Crop conditions remain mostly good, with 61% rated good to excellent and 30% fair. Cooler early September temperatures are slowing maturity slightly, but harvest is expected from late September to early October. Challenges include potential early frost, market uncertainty and localized disease pressures. Farmers should continue monitoring fields closely to protect yield potential. 

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports.

IP Crop Network: August 26 report

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Late August is a busy time of year on and off the farm. Kids are getting ready to go back to school and families are soaking those last few days of summer before the calendar gives way to fall. 

Soy Connext was held last week in Washington D.C., and many of our farmers and industry contacts were busy with this event, visiting buyers and industry colleagues. By this point in the growing season, farmers are starting to get excited about the harvest ahead.  

Southeast Michigan has been receiving pretty timely rains the last few weeks to carry through the dry spells, so conditions are looking pretty decent. Other parts of Michigan missed several of these rains and things are looking much worse with firing of the lower leaves on the corn and a gray color to the soybeans in spots. Overall, both corn and soybean conditions fall in the fair-to-good range. Soybeans have a decent number of pods, so farmers are hopeful for a good yield as long as they fill well. About 95% of soybeans have set pods. Most of them are of good height, which should make it nicer for harvest. The first planted corn is just starting to dent but most is still in the milk stage. The rains as of late should help pack in the starches as long as it doesn’t run out of nutrients from the excessive rainfall earlier this year. 

The crops in northwest Wisconsin continue to appear lush and healthy. Rains have continued to be both timely and adequate. Soybeans are taller than normal and continue to flower while pods are filling. Wisconsin is currently a little behind other states with 86% pod fill, but still on track with the state average for this time of year. With the continued moisture, seed sizes should be above average as long as disease and insect pressures remain low. Overall, the soybean quality falls within the good to excellent range. The edible beans are coloring and look to be ready for harvest normally and on schedule. The corn crop appears to be on normal maturity pace with denting just beginning on earliest planted acreage – about 22% across the state.   

In North Dakota, the crop has continued to improve over the past couple of weeks. Certain areas are still a little bit behind normal development, but it’s nothing to be concerned about, as the state is overall ahead of average. As has been the trend around the Midwest, adequate rainfall has led to disease concern, so farmers are watching closely to see if anything develops.  

Minnesota received another 2-4” of rain last week, and the beans are starting to show a little too much water. Soil moisture is still mainly in the adequate range but beginning to show more in the surplus range. Soybeans have more of a range here, as 54% fall in the good category, but equal amounts after that in both the fair and excellent categories. 93% of soybeans have set pods. 

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

IP Crop Network: August 12 report

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August is finally here, and farmers across the Midwest are beginning to prep for harvest. Almost all soybeans throughout all soybean states are blooming, and most are even setting pods by now. 

For the most part, beans in Minnesota are staying pretty clean. Some hand weeding was done about two weeks ago, and insect pressure is just starting to show up. Spring provided plenty of moisture and the soybeans are around the R5 stage with pods filling. Soil conditions fall mainly under the adequate range, and soybean conditions fall mostly in the good range. 

Southeast Michigan has been fairly dry the last couple weeks, but did receive a good rain of almost 2” just prior to the dry spell, which helped carry the crops through. The beans look decent overall but not as many pods as years past – compared to 2024, the pod set is about 7% behind. The excessive rainfall and cold spell early on this spring hurt them for sure. If there is rain soon, it should help them keep more pods, but time will tell how well they end up accomplishing that. Corn is working on filling kernels and overall looks to be really good.  

Soybeans across North Dakota range from full bloom (R2) to beginning seed set (R5) stages. Overall, the soybean crop condition is rated mostly good to excellent statewide, though some areas show stress from root rots, iron deficiency chlorosis and bacterial leaf blight. Soybean aphid populations remain low but are slowly increasing in eastern regions. Corn is tasseling with no major issues, and wheat harvest is underway amid rising disease concerns. Cooler temperatures and frequent rains, especially in eastern and southeastern parts of the state, have slowed crop development and could delay maturity. Saturated soils and wet conditions may also limit field access, potentially pushing back the start of harvest if wet weather persists. 

In Illinois, it’s been hot and dry, but overall soybeans seem to be in a good spot. Fungicide has been sprayed and besides being a little weedy, the crop is looking good. So far diseases and bugs have not been a big problem, but farmers are keeping their eyes open. Pod set throughout the state is a little behind the average, but with a little more rain it should catch up soon. 

Crops in Wisconsin continue to flourish with adequate rainfall as rain gauges in the Northwest recorded 7.5 inches for the month of July. This timely precipitation will be critical for supporting seed fill over the next two weeks, as moisture availability will play a significant role in determining final seed size and weight. The concern with these ideal moistures is that foliar diseases will become common over time as the environment under canopy is increasingly favorable for white mold, frog eye and other pathogens that thrive in warm, moist environments. There have been some reports of tar spot in corn fields, which could become a real concern at this stage of development. Small grains are being harvested and while yields are generally excellent, grain quality is often less than ideal. Harvesting small grains has been difficult with damp weather and weed pressures increasing. Soybeans and edible dry beans look great so far in the season, but the next 3 weeks will tell us just what we can expect for harvest. The 2025 soybean crop is overall in good to excellent condition, with early-planted fields demonstrating great yield potential and later-planted acres showing respectable prospects, contingent on cooperative August weather.  

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

IP Crop Network: July 22 report

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Heat and moisture have been the theme for much of the summer across the Midwest. While it can be miserable for humans, crops (and weeds) appreciate the great growing weather and have been doing well. Early rains are still having an impact, as some crops are behind the five-year average due to extra wet conditions.   

Soybean conditions across Wisconsin remain consistent as the crop moves from full bloom (R2) to early pod set (R3). The season is progressing slightly ahead of the historical average, supported by temperatures within a favorable range, sufficient rainfall and adequate soil moisture. According to USDA reports, approximately 74–75% of soybean acres are rated good to excellent, indicating a stable yield outlook. No-till beans had a less than stellar stand establishment but are now growing rapidly and canopies are looking much better. Corn is starting to enter the reproductive phase with tassels and silks appearing on earliest planted acreage across the region. July temperatures have been 1–3°F above normal, which has contributed to an accelerated growth rate with no significant stress reported so far. Forecasts for hot, humid weather (with highs in the 90s °F) and multiple thunderstorms this week may present challenges, particularly in low-lying or compacted areas. These conditions could elevate the risk of fungal diseases such as white mold and Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) in wet soils. Monitoring will be necessary in the coming days. Insect pressures are absent at this date but scouting and understanding of disease say to be vigilant as the best growing conditions are also the best conditions for foliar disease development. Looking ahead, the next two weeks will be pivotal. Pod development (R3-R4) is one of the most yield-sensitive stages of soybean growth. 

In Michigan, the winter wheat harvest is finishing with very good yields. 60% has been harvested, which is ahead of the five-year average. Soybeans are looking much better with more growth and finally some better weed control. With all the moisture this spring and early summer, the residual weed control was not very effective. There are lots of blossoms on the beans, so farmers are hopeful for a good yield as long as there is moisture in August. 53% of soybeans are blossoming across the state, which is slightly below average. Corn is looking quite good with most starting to tassel or shooting flag leaves. Good color to most of it other than where it was too wet earlier. 77% of corn falls within the fair to good condition. 

In Minnesota, the week of July 13-20 allowed soybean spraying to finish up and some manual waterhemp pulling in the identity preserved (IP) beans to take place. It’s been a cool, wet year, so there are some weed escapes. IP beans are getting close to closing the rows, but from a growth standpoint, Minnesota is running behind. 60% of soybeans are blooming, which is about 10% below average, and 22% of soybeans are setting pods, which is about 5% below average. 

All the fields scouted in North Dakota are blooming and beginning to set pods, a little behind where beans typically are for this time of year. Currently, North Dakota is at 8% pod set, which is 6% behind the 5-year average. Due to the cold, rainy spring, emergence was late and uneven. Now, the fields are starting to even out and look a little healthier, but plants are shorter than normal. Most fields have really good weed control this year, and little insect pressure as of now. Even though these are prime weather conditions to develop white mold, farmers are not seeing any in the field yet, probably due to the fact that the rows haven’t canopied over like they typically do. 

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

IP Crop Network- July update report

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The Midwest knows corn should be “knee high by the Fourth of July,” and extreme heat and humidity in parts of the region have helped blow past that marker. The weather has mostly helped crops grow quickly, while some areas have seen too much rain and are looking for a few dry days in the forecast. 

The Michigan soybean crop continues to make progress after passing the longest day of the year. The most advanced fields are now at R2 while others are still in vegetative stages. NASS reports that 25% of the crop is blooming, which compares to the five-year average of 19% at this point. Crop conditions are variable across the state, which has been affected by delayed planting and excess rainfall. NASS has the crop rated at 43% fair, 43% good and 5% excellent. Corn for the most part looks pretty good – first planted is not far from flag leaf while later planted is knee to waist high. 84% of the corn falls within the fair to good range. Wheat will be ready for harvest later this week or early next in the southeast part of the state, and 9% of the crop has been harvested statewide. The past couple of weeks have been very warm in most areas, but temperatures were cool before that, which slowed soybean growth. Stands are adequate in most areas. Post herbicide applications have been effective in controlling weeds but have caused more than normal crop response due to sunny and hot conditions during and after applications. Most crop responses were cosmetic with new growth being healthy and normal.  

Wisconsin’s soybean crop is progressing as expected in early July. Emergence is complete, and most fields have entered the blooming stage, with some beginning pod set ahead of the five-year average. June weather included steady rainfall and warm temperatures, supporting vegetative growth and timely crop development. Soil moisture levels are mostly within the adequate to surplus range, which has maintained crop health. This resulted in isolated areas that remain too wet for consistent access or late field applications. Crop condition ratings in Wisconsin are at 54% good to excellent, slightly below last year yet within typical ranges. Most fields display uniform canopy closure and nodulation. As the crop enters reproductive stages, scouting for white mold, sudden death syndrome and insect feeding will be necessary, especially under forecasted warm and humid conditions. Early indicators point to a potentially productive season if July weather conditions remain stable. Ongoing disease management, nutrient monitoring and timely fieldwork will continue to influence yield potential.  

Illinois is actually in a slight drought, at odds with the rest of the country. Over 30% of cropland in Illinois is short in moisture for both topsoil and subsoil. Precipitation has been really scattered, and areas that haven’t gotten much rain are showing it in the yards and ditches with dead grass. The lack of rain hasn’t hurt the beans and corn yet – they’re rooting well to get down to the nutrients – but cracks are beginning to show in the field. Beans in east-central Illinois are in R2 but getting close to R3 meaning a fungicide application. Farmers are prepping to get out in the field and do just that. Last week’s hot temperatures helped the corn to tassel, and 21% is tasseled throughout the state. 38% of beans are blooming, and 5% have started setting pods. Overall, Illinois is looking for a general rain to keep the plants healthy. 

Minnesota is extremely wet throughout most areas. Soil moisture conditions are over 90% in the adequate to surplus range for both topsoil and subsoil. While crops on tile ground are handling the water, some dry days are needed to let the beans get caught up to where they should be. Soybeans are about 5% below average when it comes to blooming but are overall mostly within the fair to good condition range. Corn is right on track with the 5-year average and falls mostly under the good condition range. There is more rain in the forecast for the next two weeks, so hopes are the forecast lessens on rain amounts. 

In North Dakota, the soybean crop is overall average. The weather over the past two weeks has been above average in both temperatures and moisture, which has resulted in good growth.. There are some areas that are dry, but so far, the soybeans are doing well in those areas. Soybeans are ahead of the five-year blooming average, sitting at 24%. 

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports. 

IP Crop Network – End of June report

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Now that planting is done, farmers across the Midwest are playing the waiting game. During this time of year, it’s common to scout for diseases, insects and weeds, and address these issues accordingly before the crops get too big. Since rising temperatures can increase the risk of insect or disease infestations, a thorough scouting schedule will help identify potential problems in the field.

Everything in Michigan is looking pretty decent despite a period of excessive rainfall. Early planted corn is knee high and has good color. Beans are growing quickly now that the heat has arrived, and they are at 91% emergence across the state. The first planted ones are about 10” tall or more and mostly range across the fair to good condition. Spot spraying for weeds has taken place by some farmers in the beans before they get too big, but overall, the crops are pretty clean. Some spots had to be replanted due to excessive precipitation, but mostly the crops came up the first time.

The recent heat and moisture in Wisconsin are a welcome event after a prolonged period of cooler than normal temps. The dry subsoil concerns are somewhat diminished for now – 74% of subsoil falls into the adequate moisture range – while crop and weed growth are robust. The window for post-herbicide application is closing soon, and planting has been finished for a few weeks. The crop appears short in stature and stands are less than ideal in populations with the earliest planting dates, especially for drilled soybeans on heavier soils. Nearly 60% of Wisconsin soybeans fall into the good condition category, while only 10% are in the excellent category. No flowering has occurred yet in the northwestern part of the state, but buds will appear within days. Across the state, the NASS report shows 3% flowering. The edible bean emergence looks to be good as most of those are in irrigated sands.

In Illinois, IP beans are finally starting to grow. They were slow to grow for a while, but the recent heat has helped jump start the process. The weather is going to be very hot in the next 7-10 days, which should help the beans. Currently, the NASS report puts emergence at 90%, with over 60% being in the good to excellent condition category.

Figure 1, temperature

In the last two weeks, temperatures have been near average across most of Minnesota. In the southern part, temperatures were 1-3°F above average, encouraging rapid soybean growth (Figure 1). Additionally, in the southern region and the northwestern tip, less rainfall than usual was recorded, ranging from 0.5 to 2 inches (Figure 2), which could lead to drought stress in the future. In southern Minnesota, early planting dates are reaching the R1 stage. Soybean flowering is a critical phase for high yield, and 5% of soybeans across the state are blooming.

Figure 2, precipitation

North Dakota had a significant storm on June 20. This storm had high winds, tornados, hail and heavy rain. Many acres and farms were affected and are still working to determine the crop damage. Early indications suggest losses will likely be less than anticipated, but we will need to see how the soybeans respond over the next few days. During the storm, many farmers and elevators also lost grain storage due to the high winds. This is problematic since it is likely that some of the damaged grain bins will not be able to be repaired by harvest.

SSGA’s IP Crop Network is published twice a month, highlighting growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. The reports include both firsthand accounts and data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress reports.