With a dry spring hanging over the corn belt, concerns of returned crop stress remain going into the second half of the season. Regional drought monitor maps give reason for this concern as drought lingers in across much of the central US.
US corn and soybeans experienced a relatively fast spring planting season due to dryness that eventually became a flash drought. This raised concerns that another 2012-style drought was upon the corn belt. By the end of June, crop condition ratings from the USDA had plummeted to levels worse than 2012. However, the weather pattern started to change the last week of June, bringing a more favorable precipitation outlook. This and the cooler temperatures since the middle of June have held off major yield losses from crop stress.
Corn was planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
Soybeans were also planted early, but showed a significant drop in condition from May through June compared to other years.
For agricultural spraying activities, the drier May and June allowed most all planned herbicide applications to take place but did limit some soil-applied herbicides from activating after application. The recent rains have caused a late flush of weeds at crop canopy closure and some need for additional post-emergence applications.
The efficacy of corn fungicide applications came under discussion due to the dry conditions experienced in mid-June. But now, with the return of storm activity and better yield prospects, fungicides are more likely to be applied as planned.
While some areas are experiencing relief much of the US is still experiencing some form of drought. The maps below compare drought intensity June 20th to July 18th in the Midwest, High Plains, and Southern regions.
While drought pressure has reduced intensity across much of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan, the Midwest is not out of the woods. Missouri and select areas in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have continued or increased intensity to severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While there are still many abnormally dry areas, moderate, severe, extreme, and exceptional drought has decreased across the High Plains. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
The South has shown little improvement as drought intensity continues to increase across the board. University of Nebraska Lincoln Drought Monitor
While much of the West is experiencing a higher percentage of rainfall, much of the Midwest remains drier than normal.
From now on, crops will need weekly rainfall to avoid crop stress due to low subsoil moisture reserves. At this moment, the longer-term forecasts look warmer and drier to the end of July. This leaves some concern that the major crop stress that occurred in June could return.
Amid an exceptionally dry spring, lingering concerns arise that crop stress may resurface as forecasts predict warm and dry weather to persist throughout July. Many applications have taken place, but weather conditions have limited their effectiveness causing reapplication in some cases. As the end of the season approaches, retaining moisture and continued precipitation will be key factors for a successful crop year.
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