South Dakota is experiencing temperatures this month that are about 10 degrees above normal. High temps, combined with limited rainfall, is causing many growers to become concerned about crop conditions. Topsoil moisture is 61% in adequate to surplus, 37% short and 2% very short, according to the weekly weather report released June 11 by National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota Field Office.

Spraying continues. Black Cutworms (BCW) are affecting corn up to knee high, so be sure to walk your fields and scout vigilantly. Corn should be scouted for BCW from emergence through the V5 growth stage. Fields most at risk for BCW damage include that are in poorly drained or are in low lying area, were tilled late or are minimum till, as well as fields with late-planted corn or corn following soybeans.