Cool wet conditions continue to persist in the Eastern Corn Belt into the third week of June. The USDA crop report for June 24th shows the corn crop planted in most of the eastern states at less than 95 percent with Indiana, Michigan and Ohio being the lowest at 91, 91 and 80 percent planted respectively. The percent emerged in the east also remains very low compared to the 5-year average with Michigan and Ohio at 63 and 66 percent respectively. The other states are near 80 percent or higher. The bright spot. if there is one, is that most of the corn planted is considered in good to fair condition. Reports from the Delmarva area are a little more positive, 100-108-day maturity corn is beginning to tassel if planted early.

There remain challenges to make side-dress and herbicide applications as many fields remain wet. General observations are overall stands are good despite the wet soils and the conditions much of the crop was planted into, in many cases marginal soils were the best most areas saw.

Some LG Seeds products showing strong emergence and early vigor are: LG5370, LG5375, LG5410, LG44C27, LG5465, LG5505, LG54C04, LG5525 and LG59C66.
Soybeans are not much different than corn in the same geography with Michigan and Ohio the furthest behind at 69 and 65 percent planted respectively. Emergence is also well behind with Michigan at 48 percent and Ohio at 45 percent; Indiana is slightly better at 56 percent. Weed control seems to be a challenge with the size of the weeds and label restrictions limiting available options. Like corn; soybean stands are good considering the conditions they have experienced.

LG Seeds products showing strong emergence and early vigor are: C1414RX, LGS1635RX, C1838RX, C2255R2 and LGS2444RX.

Looking forward into July, WeatherTrends 360® does show a return to more average temperatures but still higher than average rainfall for most of the eastern region. With continued wetter than normal weather it may be beneficial to look at nitrogen management by field utilizing the nitrogen model in Advantage Acre® to be certain each field has enough projected available N to finish the crop.

Additionally; as corn approaches tassel it will be important to begin scouting for foliar diseases such as Gray Leaf Spot and Tar Spot and be prepared to treat accordingly. With the explosion of Tar Spot in 2018 it is highly likely we will see this disease appear again this year given the projected weather conditions.

Note: The information in this issue is based upon field observations and third-party information. Since variations in local conditions may affect the information and suggestions contained in this issue, LG Seeds disclaims legal responsibility therefore. Always read and follow label instructions. LG Seeds® and design, Advantage Acre® is a registered trademark of AgReliant Genetics, LLC. Advantage Acre is a product of AgReliant Genetics, LLC. LG Seeds is a brand name and codes identify branded products of LG Seeds. WeatherTrends 360 is a registered trademark of Weather Trends International, Inc.