Nitrogen

Some farmers are applying Anhydrous. Soil Temperatures are borderline and could rise. It would be good to wait. I hope they are using NServe, although in springtime some warm wet weather will use the N up fast anyway.

Damp Weather

Weather is damp right now, but ground is still pretty dry. At least the fire hazard should be reduced.

Soybean Rust

Soybean Rust is being reported as far north as Iowa. Still not much in Illinois. The rust is not a problem at this time of year, it is just sort of interesting to see where it turns up.

Moisture is finally returning to our topsoil, but we are a long way from having subsoil recharged. National FFA convention is this week. Having attended parts of three conventions as an adult, it is an impressive experience. I am not sure the kids understand fully the opportunities they have at a career fair unlike any other.

Soybean Rust

I am on the soybean rust alert system. The rust has been found in Missouri, Indiana and Iowa. So far only one county in Illinois has it.

I travelled south to Nashville, IL today. Crop progress is about the same there as here. There are still some double crop soybeans.

Yesterday

We had around an inch of rain. Wheat south of Hillsboro is looking good. I am currently working on a manure dewatering project that is very interesting. I also finished up digitizing some point data I had collected last week. I am finally starting to get the hang of Farmworks.

South

Today took me South to Monroe County. Not many crops to harvest except some stubble beans. Some fertilizer is being applies and some tillage is being done. It looks like lots of potential wheat ground being prepared.

Fast week

Where did the week go? Working close to Hillsboro. Not much exciting going on in the field. I am watching reports of Asian Soybean rust. coming in from the south and west. Still none in Illinois, but I suspect it will happen soon.

Short Day

It was a short day in Eastern Montgomery County. Not much to report except I saw a lot of deer, including a pretty good size 8 point buck. Weather is still warm. No crops unharvested except double crop beans.

Sunday Trip

Went to Effingham Co. to deliver some reports. We travelled through Ramsey, Effingham, and Dietrich. 95% of crops are harvested with the exception of double crop beans. Saw several fields where it appeared that wheat is emerged.

Discussed using annual ryegrass for a winter covercrop with the customer.

South

Travelled to Monroe County. Harvest is progressing as in most of the state very well. Soybean yields are very poor. Some are getting ready to sow wheat.

Rain at last

We had 1.3 inches in Hillsboro. North of town, 0.8. Vandalia, Very Little.

Should be good for wheat sowed in the area and for wheat to be sowed as well.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles overnight did not seem to slow down harvest in Eastern Montgomery County.

7 field fires and 2 other fires causes mainly by dry conditions were reported in the Montgomery County Journal-News.

Some tillage has been completed, but harvest still seems to have highest priority.