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West Southwest

July 6: Plants didn’t stress too much

    It was a long, hot week in our area just ahead of our great nation’s birthday. While daytime temps were in the upper 90s, humidity levels were high and winds were fairly calm, so the plants didn’t stress too much. The weekend brought in some timely showers across most of the county to help p…

    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. 

      June 26: Rain!

        Rain! The county finally received some widespread rain at the end of the week, just in the nick of time for the pollinating corn. Soybeans were showing signs of stress too, so this should give them a good boost going into the forecasted heat next week. Aerial fungicide is being applied in ea…

        June 22: Nearly wrapped up with wheat harvest

          Our area is nearly wrapped up with wheat harvest and most double-crop beans that have been planted have emerged rather quickly thanks to some timely showers and warmth to get them going. This past week had a little precipitation to slow the harvest down for a day, but it wasn't quite enough …

          June 8: Wheat harvest in our area has started

            Wheat harvest in our area has started with the help of a threatening week of rain in the extended forecast. Some early varieties are still testing in the mid-teens and reporting average to above-average yields so far. By the end of the week, farmers in the area will be full swing into wheat …

            June 1: We had some “dry out” time this past week

              We had some “dry out” time this past week and capped it off with some well-timed, light to moderate rains. Corn is growing fast — gaining a new leaf every 2.5 days. Beans similarly are gaining height and steadily flowering. There was a small amount of replanting going in just ahead of the we…

              May 22: This past week was soggy and cold

                This past week was soggy and cold, so there wasn't much activity in the southwestern part of the state. A slow-moving system tracked through that took a couple days to clear out. Some spots reported as much as 3 inches of rain. The good thing was that any early-stage bean plants that were un…

                May 18: Another flurry of spraying and planting

                  Last week allowed for another flurry of spraying and planting across the county. It dried out enough for some replants in low-lying areas and creek bottoms. With the warmer weather, we are seeing a flush of weed pressure that has pushed through the preemerge. The early corn is now nearly wai…

                  May 11: Wheat is “packing on pounds.”

                    The Monroe County area had another quick burst of planting in scattered pockets just ahead of another weather front that moved through Friday night and Saturday morning. Luckily, weather events seem to be spaced just right, allowing some planting and application progress to be made each week…

                    May 4: We had a rough start to the week

                      We had a rough start to the week with a fairly broad-sweeping storm moving through. While this put the brakes on any remaining planting efforts for the week, it provided some moisture to get the corn and beans up out of the ground and give them a boost to gain some height and find some early…

                      April 27: Another productive planting window mid-week

                        Our area found another productive planting window mid-week to get quite a few more acres planted. In all, we are approximately 90% done, with much of those acres emerged and looking uniform. While planting has been going fairly smooth, the regularity of the wind has made spray applications t…

                        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 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!

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