Resource/Report

Field Crop Update June 25, 2026

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

1. Field Observations

Not much to report, other than some very welcome rain... for some of us. Now we just need a little more heat for our alfalfa and row crops to perk up. Across the region we're still below the 30-yr average for Growing Degree Days, so yes, it has been cooler than average so far this summer. BUT as you'll see in the 3rd image in the next section, the heat is on its way:

2. Weather Update

Map of New York for drought monitor for June 23.
Map of New York for 7-Day Precipitation Amounts
Map of New York for Temperature Outlook

3. Pest Monitoring

Next week will be the last week of black cutworm monitoring, as their season is ending.

Table of pest monitoring for Black 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:

Table of Growing Degree Days for June 23.
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