South Dakota crop ratings dropped from last week for both corn and soybeans and may deteriorate further with this week’s heat. USDA rated the corn crop at 63-percent good to excellent down 4-percent from last week, while 11-percent of the crop is poor to very poor. Monsanto Agronomist Keith Mockler says the corn is uneven due to planting issues and will be additionally stressed by this week’s weather.
He says this week’s heat will hurt yields in corn that’s pollinating as the silks can burn off or the ear can experience kernel abortion. The amount of yield loss will depend on the duration of the heat.
The soybean ratings in South Dakota also dropped by 3-percent last week and are now at 66-percent good to excellent. However, Mockler says he’s optimistic about this year’s soybean crop.
He advises producers to be scouting soybeans for aphids and corn for beetles. Mockler says farmers may also want to consider preventative fungicides for diseases in the corn.
