Knee-high by the first of July.
That is an old saying by farmers that is used as a measuring stick to determine how their corn crops are faring in summer. Karis Hutlet, Sales Associate at Marc Hutlet Seeds, says based on that benchmark, corn fields in the southeast mostly met that target.
"And certainly, past it actually in most areas," she says. "Today is the 3rd and things are pretty much up to my chest or shoulders, and I'm what you would consider an average height."
Hutlet says corn in the southeast has definitely entered the rapid growth stage. She notes there is a new leaf forming every couple of days, and under ideal conditions, the stalk could grow nearly three inches per day.
"There are some reports in the corn belt where you can hear it growing, which is absolutely crazy," says Hutlet.
According to Hutlet, there was some hail in the southeast Tuesday night stretching from about Carey to Ste. Agathe. She notes some fields have shredded leaves but says the growing point should not be impacted and ultimately this hail event will not hinder yield.
When it comes to precipitation, Hutlet says moisture is lacking.
"Basically, we've been spoon-fed just enough moisture here to keep things rolling along," she says. "But a one inch rain or up to even an inch and a half, a good soaker, would do us a lot of good right now."
Because corn likes it hot, Hutlet says some fields are entering moisture stress. She notes the one good thing about the dry summer is that it pushes roots far down, enabling plants to collect some of the nutrients they would not otherwise get. And though more heat and some rain would be very welcome by corn growers, Hutlet says low overnight temperatures are also desired.
Hutlet says there are no disease or insect issues to speak of right now. However, fields that were hit by high winds or hail will be suspect to some Goss's wilt or other foliar diseases later as those weather events may have created points of entry on the plants.
Meanwhile, Hutlet says soybeans in the region are looking really good but could also use a drink of water, noting the leaves will start to cup. She adds the plants are entering the flowering stage which means the pods will start coming soon.
As for canola, Hutlet says those fields are also looking really good. However, with canola now flowering, the plants like it cool otherwise the petals will get heat blasted if it is too hot.