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West Southwest

April 20: Nearly perfect rains

    We received nearly perfect rains on Wednesday/Thursday and a little more Saturday morning that will get the prior week’s planting surge started off on the right foot. The western side of the county (bottoms) is nearly done planting, while the farms in the hills on the eastern side of the cou…

    Chad Dillenberger, West Southwest Illinois CropWatch

    Chad Dillenberger, West Southwest Illinois CropWatch

      Chad Dillenberger is a Monroe County native. His experience spans roles in finance as well as hands-on management as the fourth generation on a 1,600-acre grain farm in Valmeyer. He has two boys, Henry, 18, and Liam, 15, and has been married to Katie, his high school sweetheart, for 21 years. 

      Chad Dillenberger, West Southwest Illinois CropWatch Journal

      Chad Dillenberger, West Southwest Illinois CropWatch Journal

        Chad Dillenberger is a Monroe County native. His experience spans roles in finance as well as hands-on management as the fourth generation on a 1,600-acre grain farm in Valmeyer. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 2004, majoring in finance, and then spent 15 years with Scottrade (a …

        Introducing Chad Dillenberger

          Chad Dillenberger is a Monroe County native. His experience spans roles in finance as well as hands-on management as the fourth generation on a 1,600-acre grain farm in Valmeyer. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 2004, majoring in finance, and then spent 15 years with Scottrade (a …

          Wrap-up: Yields were more than expected, but off 5 to 10%

            Looking back, our area was fortunate to have a good planting season for most. The stands were impressive for both crops, with rainfall being on the moderate side. Many were anticipating a hot, dry May and June, but it was far less intense compared to last year. Rains in July were timely and …

            Nov. 3: Fieldwork is in full swing

              Much of the harvest is wrapping up, and fieldwork is in full swing in our area. Many would not turn down a rain, so hopefully precipitation is in our future. Jack Frost showed up late this week and took care of any volunteer corn. A sigh of relief came over the land with markets moving highe…

              Oct. 27: People are moving on with fall work

                Another productive week, with anhydrous being put on in some of our area. Still pretty dry in our area, but harvest is moving on. Look forward to another rain because it is dry in most of Illinois. People are moving on with fall work and we also appreciate the cool temperatures. Most crops i…

                Oct. 20: We wrapped up harvest

                  Pleasant weather. Many are wrapping up harvest in the area, and we wrapped up harvest on Wednesday afternoon last week. We received around six-tenths of rain last Saturday.

                  Oct. 13: Many are finished or close to the finish line

                    We had another productive week of harvest, and there’s been a lot accomplished. Many are finished or close to the finish line. Weather has been pleasant and we’re looking forward to another cool down. Ground conditions continue to remain dry. Field activities are starting for tillage and fer…

                    Oct. 6: Harvest conditions are really good

                      One brief shower with very scattered rains, but when it rained it rained really hard. The temperatures are still on the warm side. Harvest conditions are really good and yields quite varied in some places. We had a good clear week to get work done. A few are done, but those who have some lef…

                      Sept. 22: Pastures are getting short

                        Our area’s temps were again on the high side, but rain did arrive on Saturday and Sunday evening. Pastures are getting short, and many are getting into their hay reserves early. Harvest is in full swing, and most are setting a good pace in their harvest efforts. We enjoy harvest, and somethi…

                        Sept. 15: Harvest had a soft start in our area

                          Harvest had a soft start in our area with some early beans and corn crossing the scales, along with some bins being filled. Summertime has returned with temps in the 90s. Moisture levels in corn are just getting to acceptable levels — some have found some down to 15%. Pastures are getting ve…

                          Aug. 25: Early beans are starting to show some lighter color

                            Last Tuesday we received rain. We were waiting for the cool weather to arrive, and by the end of last week things started to cool off. The early beans are starting to show some lighter colors. After Labor Day some people think they may start on corn and a week later some beans may be cut in …

                            Aug. 18: We should all be proud of our 4-H participants

                              Our week didn't disappoint in terms of temps as the heat hung on during the fair, but some did receive some light showers. The crops are turning as summer closes with a definite change in colors, especially in the early-planted category. Many would like a nice rain to put some finish on the …

                              Aug. 4: Looking forward to more hay mowing

                                We had a shower mid-week and cooler temperatures which everyone looked forward to. We are looking forward to more hay mowing in the coming days. The grass and crops are lush as we get to the peak of summertime. Looking forward to the state fair. See you at the fair!

                                July 28: Grass needs to be mowed every 10 minutes

                                  Muggy conditions dominated the weather and scattered showers. Rain amounts in this area are generous in some spots. Many are assessing the pollination issues and are seeing certain varieties showing inconsistent ear development. Soybeans look very promising with good prospects. The grass nee…

                                  July 21: Fungicide spraying and some respraying

                                    Fungicide spraying and some respraying continued. What can I say about waterhemp that hasn't been said already? Some of those expressions require a good command of the English language — good luck with that! So back to the weather, it didn’t take long to break a sweat and add to the laundry …

                                    July 14: Another hot muggy week

                                      Another hot muggy week for the Morgan County Fair, but fair patrons endured the temps, and a good time was had by all. Most everyone received rains ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 and without any storm damage. Crop development looks great as we get through pollination time, and beans have closed up …

                                      July 7: Hopes of better trade are on everyone’s minds

                                        Crops are looking good in our region and hopes of better trade are on everyone’s minds, I'm sure. It didn't take long to break a sweat this week with humidity on the high side. Most of our tiles have dried up, and a shower would certainly be welcomed, which is in next week's forecast. The Mo…

                                        June 27: Wheat harvest began for many

                                          Very hot temperatures dominated our week with most showers being very light and scattered. Wheat harvest began for many and some double-crop beans. Yields that have been reported have been good. Tassels are showing now, and fungicide is beginning to be applied on both crops. Hope the rains c…

                                          June 23: Tornados hit Jacksonville

                                            Our week started out calm, but Tuesday became another story — tornados hit Jacksonville and the rural area. Houses and commercial buildings along with power lines were damaged and the Future Champs ballfields where volunteers showed up to aid in clean up. Definitely a “Morgan County Strong” …

                                            June 16: Hay will have to wait till next week

                                              Light showers were in our area last week, 0.5 to 1 inch. The temperature was great for fair patrons and any outside work. The hay will have to wait till next week. Crop progress and vigor has really made our corn and beans respond well with moderate rainfall and good temps. We are done spray…

                                              June 9: Timely rains added a good shot of vigor

                                                Rain returned to this area this week and left behind totals that ranged from 0.5 to 3 inches. Corn and soybeans responded as timely rains added a good shot of vigor as many fields of corn are closing the rows. Where we and others had hail damage on corn and beans, the new leaves are showing …

                                                June 2: Hail leads to replants or touch-ups

                                                  Several fields were either replanted or touched up after hail adjusters did their evaluation. After that we received a half inch of rain. This time of year gets busy for sure between “hay'n, spray'n” and regrouping following the spring activities. Fair time is here for many. It's a great tas…

                                                  May 23: Hail and tornados will lead to replanting

                                                    The west central area has experienced some rainfall, but also some hail and tornadic activity in the past week. There will be a few fields replanted in areas in both Sangamon and Morgan County. We also will replant 104 acres of beans. The stands of corn and soybeans are very good with little…

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