2026 Crop Tour - Day 2
Audubon County, IOwa
Day 2 began in Audubon County, IA, where crop conditions remain very strong despite the area missing some key rains recently. The county has received just 59% of normal rainfall over the last 90 days, and we observed some emergence issues in early planted corn along with minor tip-back from pollination challenges. Even so, crop potential remains well above average. Record yields may be difficult to match, but based on what we saw, yields should remain close to the 224 bu/acre levels achieved over the past two seasons.
dallas County, iowa
Our second stop was in Dallas County, IA, where crop conditions looked solid. The field we sampled was planted at 35,000 plants per acre and maintained an impressive stand count of 34,000. Timely rainfall helped the crop through periods of heat stress, and overall conditions suggest the area has the potential to push toward record yields.
Clark County, missouri
At our stop in Clark County, MO, the crop continued to show good potential despite some recent dryness. The area has received 86% of normal precipitation over the last 90 days, totaling 12.2 inches. We observed some nitrogen deficiency emerging across northeast Missouri, likely due to shallow root systems caused by frequent early-season rainfall. Even with those concerns, ear development was consistent, and our samples averaged 206 bu/acre, very similar to last year's 205 bu/acre average. Additional rainfall would be beneficial as the crop finishes the growing season.
pike county, illinois
Crop conditions in Pike County, IL looked very good overall. As we moved farther into Illinois, corn showed minimal signs of stress and appeared to have received adequate moisture throughout the season. While our samples were not as impressive as the crop's appearance suggested, yield potential remains similar to last year's average of 208 bu/acre. We also noted that the crop is more advanced in maturity compared to many of the other areas visited on the tour.
logan county, illinois
Our next stop in Logan County, IL featured some of the healthiest-looking corn we've seen so far. Corn showed very few signs of stress, with only isolated drowned-out areas and minor fungal and insect damage on ear tips. Soybean conditions were also excellent. Our samples averaged 206 bu/acre, and with adequate rainfall throughout the season, there is little reason to expect yields much different from last year. The crop also appears to be progressing ahead of normal maturity.
mclean county, illinois
Our final stop of the day was in McLean County, IL. Crop conditions remained good with virtually no visible stress aside from some early season drowned out acres. In this area, soybean fields looked particularly healthy. Corn development appeared somewhat behind normal compared to other Illinois stops, with crops still showing a considerable amount of green color. The area has received ample moisture, though it remains unclear whether early excessive rainfall will help or hurt yields. Overall, crops look good but yield potential may depend on how conditions finish through the remainder of the season.
Missouri Summary
Missouri crops continue to benefit from adequate seasonal moisture, though some areas have turned noticeably dry during the past month. We observed scattered nitrogen deficiency concerns across northeast Missouri, likely tied to shallow root development following frequent early-season rains. Despite those challenges, crop conditions generally remain favorable, and our samples suggest yields near last year's levels at 175. Additional rainfall would help maximize yield potential as the crop moves toward maturity.
