If there’s one lesson from this year, it’s that the 2024 growing season didn’t follow the playbook. Crops faced relentless early rain, a breakout season for southern rust and a drought that swooped in just when things looked promising.

Key Takeaways:

• Early-season wet conditions led to unexpected disease pressures like physoderma.
• Southern rust expanded into new territories and challenged management strategies.
• A mid-season drought capped yields by reducing kernel depth and bean size.

Early Rain and a New Contender

The 2024 growing season opened with a downpour across the Corn Belt — not a gentle pregame warm-up, but a relentless storm that drenched the fields. Saturated fields turned physoderma brown spot (pictured left by LG Seeds agronomist Steve Crafton) into the surprise disease of the season. Thriving in waterlogged conditions, physoderma lingered in the soil until it made its unwelcome appearance and wreaked havoc on stalk quality and standability.

The rain wasn’t just a game-changer for planting schedules — it forced a whole new game plan. Excessive moisture delayed planting progress, with corn lagging behind the five-year average pace by early May. Farmers had to scramble for planting windows between storms, as El Niño kept a conveyor belt of Gulf moisture rolling through the region.

By fall, the impact was undeniable: this wasn’t just about delayed planting. Managing wet conditions means more than tackling drainage — it’s about anticipating curveballs like physoderma. 

The season's takeaway? Stay sharp, adjust the game plan and always keep an eye on the unexpected players poised to change the outcome.

Southern Rust Makes a Power Play

Just as fields were drying out and farmers had adjusted their plans, southern rust swept into regions like Kansas and Wisconsin, where it’s rarely been a concern. The disease spread faster than expected, forcing many to pivot quickly with fungicide applications and intensive scouting. For some, the damage came before they could even get in position to defend.

Sourced from: https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/maps/southern-corn-rust

Southern rust proved that its expanding footprint is a force to reckon with. But the right combination of resistant hybrids and timely fungicide applications can provide an extra layer of protection. Early detection is the first step to stay ahead of this fast-moving disease. 

Investing in proactive strategies like planting tolerant hybrids and planning for foliar fungicide applications is critical to manage this evolving challenge.

A Drought-Driven Defensive Slog

A mid-to-late season drought caused momentum to shift, leaving many farmers scrambling. After a solid start in the spring, fields across regions like Indiana and Michigan took a hit by late August, when corn struggled with kernel depth and ear size due to lack of moisture. It was a similar story for soybeans, as limited water left them unable to fully fill pods or reach optimal seed size. 

This drought wore down crop potential over time. It’s a reminder that even the best seasons can turn on a dime. With drought stress affecting half the U.S. — and the broader food industry — the need for preparation and resilience is stronger than ever.

Looking to Next Season

The 2024 season’s challenges weren’t just about weather — but about adaptability. Early-season wetness, southern rust’s bold move and a badly-timed drought underscored the importance of proactive management and resilient hybrids. 

As we look ahead to 2025, these lessons will be critical. Reach out to your LG Seeds agronomist for more insights and strategies to help you prepare for whatever curveballs next season may throw.