Crop report: More rain delays La Salle County harvest, June 29-July 5

Heavy rainfall across La Salle County last week — ranging from 2.3 to more than 8 inches in some areas — has waterlogged fields again, forcing farmers to delay wheat harvest and soybean replanting as they wait for conditions to dry.

Heavy rainfall across La Salle County last week — ranging from 2.3 to more than 8 inches in some areas — has waterlogged fields again, forcing farmers to delay wheat harvest and soybean replanting as they wait for conditions to dry. The wet stretch, which peaked over the July 4th holiday weekend, marks another setback for farmers already struggling with excessive moisture. Crop damage assessments and replanting plans are on hold until fields dry enough to work.

David Hall of Serena reported 4.9 inches of rain for the week ending July 5, filling fields with standing water just as conditions appeared ready for harvest. He and his family took advantage of the downtime to visit Ohio, where he observed similar wet conditions affecting corn and soybean crops across the region. Ken Beck of Mendota reported the heaviest rainfall, with his rain gauge showing 6 inches and neighbors reporting 8 to 10 inches in some spots.

He said farmers in his area are waiting to assess damage before deciding next steps. The moisture is taking a toll on crops. Soybeans, which don’t tolerate wet conditions, are struggling in many fields.

Corn is recovering in some areas where plants had yellowed from earlier waterlogging, though growth has slowed. David Myer of Marseilles reported 3.1 inches and said some hay was cut and baled before the rains returned, though wheat harvest remains on hold. He noted grain markets are watching forecasts for heat that could follow the wet pattern.

Ken Bernard of Grand Ridge received 2.85 inches and said some soybean replanting was completed Thursday before Friday’s rain arrived. He plans fungicide applications to protect crops from disease pressure caused by persistent moisture, though the cost concerns him. Geoffrey Janssen of Rutland reported 2.3 inches.

Despite the rain, he said crops are responding well to heat when conditions allow, with soybeans finally gaining height and size and early-planted corn approaching tassel stage. The La Salle County Farm Bureau compiles the weekly crop report from farmer observations across the county. Rainfall: Serena: 4.9” Mendota: 6.0” Marseilles: 3.1” Grand Ridge: 2.85” Rutland: 2.3”