Timely crop protection supports healthy corn and soybean fields
Weather-related challenges earlier this season created difficult conditions for many growers across the Midwest. Excess rainfall, delayed planting, and some replanting events placed additional stress on corn and soybean crops. However, many fields have continued to develop well as harvest approaches.
“There is a good amount of crop that looks good across my geography,” said Andrea Cowsert, retail sales agronomist for Brevant® seeds in Illinois. “Even though there was a lot of variability this spring and that presents its own challenges, we can still anticipate some positive results this harvest.”
Agronomists report that despite variable growing conditions; many crops remain in good shape and still have the potential to produce strong yields. As summer temperatures increase, farmers are paying close attention to heat stress and moisture levels that can affect crop performance during the final stages of growth.
One management practice receiving increased attention is a fungicide application. Crop specialists say fungicides can play an important role in maintaining plant health by helping reduce disease pressure and allowing crops to better withstand environmental stress. Healthy plants are generally better equipped to fill kernels, maintain standability, and achieve higher yield potential.
Farmers are also encouraged to monitor fields regularly for signs of disease. Tar spot is expected to remain a major concern in many growing regions this season. Disease outbreaks can significantly affect yields if they are not identified and managed quickly. Careful scouting and timely treatment decisions remain essential parts of a successful crop protection plan.
Many producers are also considering two-pass fungicide programs as part of their overall disease management strategy. These programs aim to provide continued protection during critical growth stages and help maximize productivity through harvesting.
Looking ahead, growers are already beginning to evaluate seed options for future seasons. Strong genetics remains an important first step in defending crops against disease risks. Agronomic traits such as drought tolerance, fungicide response, and standability are becoming key factors in seed selection decisions.
By combining strong genetics, regular crop scouting, and effective disease management practices, farmers can improve crop resilience and better position their operations for successful harvests in the years ahead.
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