2026 Pro Farmer Crop Tour reports mixed corn and soybean conditions after heavy Midwest rains
Scouts sampling corn and soybeans across the Corn Belt observed variable yields, disease pressure and lingering flood impacts following a week of heavy rain.
Scouts on the 2026 Pro Farmer Crop Tour sampled corn and soybean fields in the Midwest after a week of heavy rain that left many areas flooded or soggy. In Nebraska’s Thurston, Burt, Washington and Dodge counties, corn yields ranged from 150 to 198 bushels per acre (bpa) with an average of 172.9 bpa, while soybean pod counts averaged 1,241 per 3-by-3-foot square. The tour noted bacterial leaf streak as the most common corn disease, along with occasional northern leaf blight, southern rust and tip-back from heat stress.
In South Dakota’s Lincoln, Turner and Hutchinson counties, corn yields varied widely, from 65 to 174 bpa, averaging 124.8 bpa. Observers reported drought-stressed corn early in the season, followed by August rains that improved soybean development. Minimal disease was seen, though some northern leaf blight was present.
Ohio’s Wyandot, Hardin and Auglaize counties showed corn yields between 130 and 218 bpa, averaging 170.1 bpa, and soybean pod counts averaging 1,308 per square. Early-planted corn appeared healthier than later-planted fields, and disease pressure was described as minor.
Additional sampling in Ohio (Madison, Champaign, Darke) and Indiana (Randolph, Henry, Madison, Hancock) recorded corn yields of 139-235 bpa in Ohio and 157-203 bpa in Indiana, with averages near 180 bpa. Soybean pod counts averaged 1,358 in Ohio and 1,195 in Indiana. Inspectors reported abundant moisture, some nutrient deficiencies linked to excess water, and emerging northern leaf blight in corn. Insect pressure was low, and only isolated wind-damage incidents were noted.
Weather analyst Drew Lerner of World Weather Inc. said the weekend’s rain delivered 5-10 inches of moisture across parts of Iowa to Ohio, causing flooding and raising concerns about mold, mildew and crop yellowing, especially in lower soybean canopy layers. The region also experienced a derecho that added to the damage.
Overall, the tour’s findings suggest that while some areas are showing promising yields, the recent floods and lingering moisture may pose challenges for crop maturation as harvest approaches in 45-60 days.