Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of the Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam Ag Newsletter!
As we head into the growing season, spring brings both opportunity and uncertainty across our fields. This issue of the newsletter focuses on timely information to help you prepare for the weeks ahead, drawing attention to conditions and decisions that can make a difference this year.
Inside, you’ll find updates on weather trends to watch, information on a new weed species to add to your scouting list, reminders and resources related to nutrient management, and several other topics aimed at supporting informed, season-long management decisions. We hope these updates are useful as you move from planning to planting and beyond.
Emerging issues:
Asian copperleaf identified in Illinois
University of Illinois researchers have confirmed the first sighting of invasive Asian copperleaf (Acalypha australis) in Stephenson County—making Illinois the third U.S. state to host this weed. The summer annual grows 1–2 feet tall, spreads by seed, and can be tricky to identify without its mature flower bracts. Farmers concerned about its presence can reach out to University Extension experts for help with identification and response.
I-COVER Program Now Open: Get Paid to Plant Cover Crops
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has launched its Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience (I-COVER) Program. This is a new opportunity for farmers to adopt conservation practices and earn financial support.
Through this program, participants can receive up to $105.40 per acre for planting cover crops. The intent of I-COVER is "to promote the implementation of cover crops and the adoption of new technologies to implement cover via the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program using the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) multi-state grant."
Application Deadline: 11:59 PM CDT, Friday, May 1, 2026
What to watch as soybean planting begins in 2026
Warm, wet conditions have shaped the start of the 2026 soybean planting season in Illinois, with planting progress already ahead of average in parts of the state. Key considerations this spring include timely cover crop termination, minimizing risk from heavy rainfall after planting, and accounting for temperature and growing degree days to ensure good emergence. University of Illinois research reinforces that planting by the end of April and maintaining adequate final stands are critical for protecting yield and profitability.
High Fertilizer Prices Suggest Reconsidering Application Rates
Fertilizer prices—especially nitrogen—have risen sharply this spring, outpacing gains in corn prices and tightening already narrow margins for 2026. Higher nitrogen costs make it increasingly important to match application rates with Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) recommendations, particularly for remaining spring applications. Adjusting rates closer to MRTN can reduce input costs while maintaining profitability, with especially large savings possible where nitrogen has historically been overapplied.
US EPA approves use of OTT dicamba in soybeans
The U.S. EPA has approved a new federal label allowing over‑the‑top (OTT) dicamba use in soybeans for upcoming growing seasons. The updated label includes expanded drift buffers, runoff and erosion mitigation requirements, application timing and temperature limits, and mandatory use of EPA’s Bulletins Live! Two for field‑specific restrictions. Illinois growers will also need to comply with existing state‑specific dicamba restrictions, making careful review of label and regulatory details essential before application.
Weather updates:
Drought conditions have greatly improved over the last few weeks. Subsequently, water table levels have risen but are still deeper than is typical for early spring. The weather outlook is warmer and wetter than typical for mid- to late-April. A slight cool down is projected for early May, but there aren’t strong signals for a very cold event. We’re looking at more “seasonable” temperatures. As the growing season progresses, please report drought conditions at go.illinois.edu/cmor. For timely updates on everything climate and weather, check out the Illinois State Climatologist website.
Research updates:
Glufosinate-Resistant Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) Confirmed in Illinois
University of Illinois researchers have confirmed the first cases of glufosinate‑resistant waterhemp in Illinois, marking a significant milestone in the species’ continued evolution of herbicide resistance. With resistance now documented to all postemergence herbicide site‑of‑action groups previously effective on waterhemp, reliance on single‑herbicide strategies is increasingly risky. The findings underscore the need for diversified weed management approaches focused on strong herbicide stewardship and preventing waterhemp from producing seed.
Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability
University of Illinois research shows that genes from teosinte, corn’s wild ancestor, can alter soil microbial communities to significantly reduce nitrogen losses without sacrificing yield. These genes suppress microbes responsible for nitrification and denitrification, helping keep nitrogen in the soil and reducing runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. The findings highlight the potential for breeding corn varieties that improve nitrogen use efficiency and long‑term agricultural sustainability.
How AI and Drones are Hunting for Hidden Crop Genetics
University of Illinois researchers are using drones and artificial intelligence to spot important crop traits that are hard to see from the ground. By analyzing detailed images of fields, the technology can identify plant characteristics that are strongly linked to genetics and often missed by traditional scouting. This approach could help plant breeders develop higher‑yielding and more resilient crops faster and more efficiently.
Collaborators needed for on-farm biological trials
Biological manufacturer The Sanctuary is seeking farmer collaborators in LaSalle County for FREE trials of their product Detonation. Detonation is a planter box seed treatment that can be used in either corn or soybeans. The product contains multiple strains of beneficial soil microbes that enhance nutrient availability and uptake of plant nutrients, improve germination, and promote root and plant growth. If you are interested in trialing this product on your farm, please reach out to len@sanctuaryproducts.com. We will also be including test plots of this product on both our corn and soybean plots at Illinois Valley Community College.
Additional resources:
The Illinois Agricultural Mental Health Voucher Program connects agricultural producers and their families with local mental health professionals. This program enables producers to seek mental health services at no cost to the producer and their family. For more information visit go.illinois.edu/MentalHealthVoucher
American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Cargill have partnered to create educational videos for corn and soybean farmers interested in adopting soil health practices, including cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management. The videos feature farmers with varying levels of experience implementing soil health practices and sharing stories about adopting a variety of practices. To view the videos visit AFT's website.
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