Beck's Hybrids field update

PONTIAC – Most fields in Jake Ralph’s territory for Becks Hybrids have adequate moisture but some places suffered wind damage during recent storms.

Overall, the team dealer manager and local seed advisor feels good about what he sees across the countryside.

“I’m definitely happy with what I’m seeing with the corn crop. Beans are kind of sporadic. We’ve got some good looking beans and we’ve got some stands that are a little sparse,” Ralph told The Central Illinois Farm Network last week.

The recent cool weather has felt nice, but cool and moist conditions tend to breed diseases – something Ralph cautions growers about.

“I’m looking out for northern corn leaf blight and gray leaf spot, maybe even a little bit of Goss’s wilt.”

From a yield standpoint, Ralph is impressed with certain corn varieties Becks offers, such as 63-65, 61-65 and 56-65. These varieties look impressive out in the fields so far this season.

“I think they’re going to flourish pretty well for us if we can get through pollination silky smooth,” Ralph said.