Crop Conditions & Agronomy Advice: What Our Agronomists Are Seeing in the Fields

June 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: Yellow Tint Fading, Nutrient Uptake Still a Concern

Corn has come a long way, but many fields still have a yellow hue caused by our prolonged cool, wet weather and lack of heat. Under normal growing conditions, we’d expect to be further along — but all things considered, the crop is looking solid.

Bulk of corn is at V4–V6, with some fields ahead or behind depending on planting date and location.

Canopy is starting to form in some areas, while others still have a ways to go.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is contributing to slower development by limiting full sunlight and warmth. This impacts photosynthesis and reduces plant efficiency.

Looking ahead, we’ll be monitoring for tar spot progression in the coming weeks. It may or may not become a concern, depending on how the weather plays out — but stay vigilant. Also, be aware that rootworm hatch is expected to begin soon — especially in continuous corn fields. Scouting early can help prevent feeding damage and economic loss down the line.

Reminder: As your corn gets bigger, be sure to double-check herbicide labels. Some products have growth stage cutoffs and may no longer be safe to apply.

Nutrition: Still Time to Boost

With sluggish root development caused by cool conditions, corn plants have already absorbed most of the nitrogen and sulfur available in the immediate root zone. Now, the roots need to stretch further to access additional nutrients — but many haven’t established enough yet to do so effectively.

Topdressing with urea, AMS, or gradual/slow-release nitrogen can give corn the boost it needs, especially if you’re seeing signs of deficiency.

Foliar applications of micronutrients or nitrogen blends are also worth considering — talk with your agronomist to evaluate your specific field’s needs.

🌱 Soybeans: Weather Stress & IDC Showing Up

Soybeans, like corn, are feeling the effects of this year’s cloudy, cool, and wet conditions.

Most soybeans are at V2–V3, with early-planted fields progressing more quickly.

Pre-emerge applications have been average overall, with early applications outperforming later ones, thanks to better activation from early rains.

Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) and yellowing are showing up in some fields. Wet soils and lack of sun are big contributors.

Seed treatments are proving their value this year in helping beans push through tough early conditions.

🌾 Small Grains: Act Now on Fungicide

Early-planted oats are starting to flag leaf and approach flowering.

The window for applying fungicide is closing fast, and now’s the time to act to prevent yield loss.

With cool, wet conditions, we’re set up for a higher disease risk, so any steps taken now will pay off at harvest.

🌿 Alfalfa: Pest & Disease Pressure Climbing

First cutting is wrapping up, but insect activity is high, and many fields are at or above treatment thresholds.

Tiny weevils are present in many areas and will aggressively feed on new growth.

We're also seeing boron deficiencies (common in alfalfa) and an increase in disease pressure, including black stem and leaf spot.

Visual signs may be minimal, but yield loss and tonnage reduction are real concerns.

Consider talking with your agronomist about a fungicide application post-cutting to protect regrowth.

Foliars are paying off in both pest control and forage quality.

📌 Better Feed. Better Beef (or Milk). It all starts here.

Weed Control: The Year for Full Programs

Weed control results this season have been average at best.

Fields that invested in more complete herbicide programs with proper adjuvant use are seeing stronger control.

Cutting corners — especially on adjuvants — to save costs has led to underperformance and weed escapes.

As always, work closely with your agronomist to fine-tune your approach.

WinField United Answer Plot Day – This Wednesday, June 18!
Don’t miss our WinField United Answer Plot Day this Wednesday starting at 10:00 AM! Come walk the plots, see product performance firsthand, and ask questions directly to the experts.

What You’ll Learn
• In-season performance of hybrids, fungicide programs, nutrition strategies, and more.
• How to apply what we’ve seen so far to finish the season strong.

🍽️ Free Meal at Noon
📌 Bring your questions, your neighbors, and your notebook — we can’t wait to see you there.

Contact an ag plus agronomist

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Marshall, MN 56258

(507) 532-9686

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