This past week set a new record as far as temperatures were concerned. On June 28, temps reached 108 degrees which is now considered the warmest temperature on that date ever for the St. Louis region. With no rain and drought conditions, this record setting weather I would chose to let pass. Triple digit temps and no precipitation is the ten day forecast.
The corn crop continues to show signs of heat stress as it enter into the pollination stage. There is still moisture 2 to 3 inches below the surface, but it is disappearing as this crop continues to develop under the dry heat. The great concern now is how well the crop will pollinate under the extreme heat.
First planted soybeans are now approximately 6 to 9 inches in height and developing a canopy over the row. Most farmers have finished applying post treatment of herbicide to control weeds in the fields prior to the excessive heat. 
Emergence of the double-cropped soybeans has been good and now a couple inches tall. Now it needs a shower of rain to keep them growing.
Pastures in the area are turning brown and some farmers are starting to feed hay to their cattle much earlier than normal. Also, water levels in some shallow wells have dropped forcing some cattle farmers to haul water to supplement their water supply.
Local grain bids are corn $6.50, soybeans $14.70 and wheat $7.04.
Have a happy and safe Fourth of July
David Hankammer, Farmer
St. Clair County
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