Anthracnose is the leading disease problem in many of the damaged fields. Early bean yield reports indicate yields have not been what individuals were expecting, but this is based on only a small percentage of the acres harvested at the time of the reports. Rain on October 3 has halted the bean harvest for a while, and the first killing frost of the season is predicted for October 6 or 7, officially ending the growing season in northern Illinois. All crops are mature except for some beans that were planted very late in drowned-out spots in fields. Some farmers are finished.
Wet soil is a major problem in small parts of the region, which is making harvest difficult.
In general, corn yields have been very good, but soybean yields have been disappointing. Field averages for corn are 170 to 190 bushels per acre, with some plot yields as high as 250 bushels per acre. Soybean yields ranged from 28 to 63 bushels per acre, with most yields at 45 to 55 bushels per acre. Major yield-limiting factors for corn include stalk rot and European corn borer, which caused severe lodging in some fields. SDS, root rots, and excessive moisture have limited soybean yields.