In the midst of the dog days of summer, crop conditions and outlook is looking variable around Minnesota.

Overall, the USDA NASS Crop Progress & Condition report for Minnesota rates 57 of the soybeans as good to excellent and 58 percent of corn good to excellent. Small grains are faring a bit better, with 80 percent of the barley crop good to excellent; 79 percent of oats and 82 percent of spring wheat good to excellent.

Doug Becher, retail sales agronomist with Brevant Seeds reports seeing good progress on crops in his region of southeastern Minnesota. A lot of corn is tasseling and after a slow start, soybeans are now progressing better. Crops west of I-35 are highly variable due to the excessive rain this spring, with significant drowned out areas, uneven tasseling in corn and visible signs of nitrogen loss.

Increased moisture has led to more diseases in corn this year. Tar spot is already being found in some areas along the Mississippi River and moving north and west. Adult Corn Rootworm beetles are emerging, with some areas experiencing significant root feeding. Becher recommends performing root digs to diagnosing these pests.

Justin Schroeder, general manager with Central Counties Coop and MCPR treasurer, reported that rain and drainage problems continue to hamper crop conditions in central Minnesota. Growers aren’t too optimistic about yields. Many parts of Kandiyohi and Meeker counties received more rain Sunday, with some spots receiving as much as three inches.

Growers started applying Insecticide and fungicide on both corn and soybeans last week. Over 90% of the corn in the area has tasseled and beans are flowering. One bit of good news is that sweet corn harvest will start very soon!