Resource/Report

Field Crop Update July 30, 2026

|
Erik Smith
  • Field Crops
1. Field Observations
2. Weather Update
3. Pest Monitoring
4. Growing Degree Days

1. Field Observations

The recent rain showers have been much appreciated after the stretch of dry weather, although heavier rainfall may bring localized flooding and ponding to some areas. Keep an eye on low-lying fields, and please reach out if you need flooding or crop recovery resources.

Corn is beginning to tassel and silk across the region! Continue watching for prolonged standing water, uneven silking, and other signs of crop stress as fields move through pollination.

2. Weather Update

7-day precipitation outlook:

Map of New York for 7-Day Precipitation Amounts

3. Pest Monitoring

Table of pest monitoring for Western Bean Cutworm and True Armyworm.
Table of pest monitoring for Potato Leafhopper

4. Growing Degree Days

(See: Climate Smart Farming Growing Degree Day Calculator)

Growing degree days (GDD) are calculated by taking the average daily temperature and subtracting the base temperature for development of a given organism ((High + Low)/2 – base temp = GDD). For corn silage, we are using base 50/86, as corn development starts at 50 degrees F and ceases above 86. Check your location and planting date:

 

Growing Degree Days table for July 30
Lee stands with her family at the Ulster County Fair.
Three Generations of 4-H, One Lasting Legacy
For as long as she can remember, service, hard work, and learning were woven into Lee Reidy’s daily life. Her father immigrated from Italy and after marrying her mother in Sicily, worked tirelessly to build a life for his family. During the day...
  • 4-H Youth
A Christmas cactus in full bloom, with vivid pink flowers among cascading green segmented leaves.

Master Gardener Volunteer Column

Give Your Holiday Cactus Some Love
As we head into November, your holiday cactus may need a little bit of attention to ensure that it will be in bloom and beautiful over the next couple of months. Holiday cactus ( Schlumbergera) are succulent plants native to northeast Brazil...
Explore All News & Stories