Tassels, Disease, Tough Bean Season & Bug Pressure

July 17, 2025 Edition

The 2025 growing season continues to challenge us, but our fields are progressing — and we’re seeing several key trends emerge across our trade territory. Here’s what our agronomists are observing this week, along with recommendations to help keep your crop on track.

Corn: Tassels, Disease & Fungicide Timing

Corn is entering reproductive stages, and lots of fields are tasseling now — or will be soon. That means one thing:

Fungicide Timing = Now. Here's what you need to know.

Work with your Ag Plus agronomist to choose the right fungicide for the right acres.

Some hybrids respond better than others, and corn-on-corn fields or areas with more disease pressure may benefit most.

Don’t just spray everything — make smart, strategic choices based on yield potential, disease history, and hybrid response ratings.

Tar Spot Watch:

We’re not sounding any alarms yet, but with the way the weather has been, if you really search a few field, you might find a some lesions here and there.

The risk isn't urgent now — but the conditions are right for it to spread fast once it takes off.

Tar spot has a 2–3 week lag time between infection and visible symptoms — and we’re entering that risk window right now.

Bottom line: Don’t panic. But don’t ignore it. Stay in touch with your Ag Plus agronomist — we’re watching trends across the region and can give you a heads-up before the pressure shows up hard.

Quick checklist: Should you spray fungicide? If yes to 2+ of these — let’s talk soon.

Is the hybrid a high-responder?

Is the field high-yield potential?

Do you have a tar spot history?

Is the corn-on-corn?

Soybeans: Rough Ride This Year

Let’s be honest — beans are all over the board. Some fields look great. Most don’t. We’ve seen:

Drowned out spots

Phytophthora root rot

Weed control struggles even after multiple passes

Wind damage

Now some early bug pressure is popping up

What to Watch:

White mold could be a real risk this year, especially in fields with a history + recent weather patterns.

Green cloverworms are showing up — some leaf feeding, not widespread yet, but mid-July is usually when insects start cranking up.

Fungicide on beans? Usually it’s worth it — we often see a 3–5 bushel bump — but you’ve already sunk money into weed control. So the question is: Does it still pencil out?

Talk it over with your agronomist. You need to weigh the cost, pressure, and potential ROI — not just toss more money at a tough crop.

Small Grains: Bug Watch Continues

Fungicide apps are pretty much wrapped unless it’s late-planted.

Keep scouting for bugs — grasshoppers, armyworms, etc.

Heads are filling — don’t let pests sneak in now.

Alfalfa: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

Some are on 2nd cutting, others on 3rd.

There’s always something chewing on alfalfa — have your agronomist come out and sweep for pests.

Now’s also the time to plan fall fertilizer — if you want good alfalfa next year, you’ve got to feed it now.

Remember: Better feed = Better steak.

Final Thoughts:

This week’s about being strategic, not just busy.

Corn: Make your fungicide decisions — it’s go-time.

Soybeans: Scout, spray if needed, and plan for next year.

Small grains & alfalfa: Eyes open for bugs.

Need help scouting or making a plan? Your Ag Plus agronomist is just a call, text, or sweep net away.

Contact an ag plus agronomist

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