The soybeans are looking surprisingly good across the county. As of right now, we have not seen any signs of aphids in the beans, however, Japanese beetle activity is higher than normal. For the most part, the beetle damage is not remotely close to the economic threshold.

Pod fill is happening right now, so any rains will be extremely welcomed.

In some fields, weeds are starting to poke through the canopy with the latest bout of moisture and heat. This may entice farmers with crushers or IPs to consider a preharvest burndown.

With wheat harvest wrapped up, now is the time to do all of those extras!

Soil sampling in the wheat stubble is in full swing. This is the perfect time to start your rotation of consistent and effective soil sampling, and helps to plan for P+K needs on your fields. Wanstead is proud to offer grid, zoned, and perimeter composite sample options!

If you would like to be added to our list for soil sampling, please call one of our branches! Please note, our current turn-around-time on soil sampling is 2-3 days.

If you have gotten sampling done, and are curious about the results, please note that it usually takes us approximately 10 days to see results back from our 3rd party lab.

Now is also a great time to start putting down fertilizer on wheat stubble (with your soil analysis), as well as plant cover crops. Planting your cover crop this time of year helps to ensure that the crop does not get too much of a top, but still establishes a good root system. Reach out to your Wanstead agronomist about your options for cover crops and fertilizer application.

Additionally, now is the time of year to start thinking about preparing for fall wheat planting (Are you going to need seed?). With 2023 SRWT prices still north of $9, this crop is a profitable option to consider.

Knock on wood... quality in corn looks so far so good. Tar spot emergence is very low, and there are hardly any symptoms on local corn. Additionally, VOM is a low threat due to the dry weather we have been having. Usual suspects like northern corn leaf blight is occurring locally, but at very low levels due to minimal thunderstorms and moisture.

During the month of August, many of our staff members are taking much deserved vacations! If you cannot get ahold of someone, please call the office, and we can make sure that you get the help you need!