Crop Tour Reveals Vastly Different Scenarios

An AgWeb article

The 2026 Pro Farmer Crop Tour is underway, and day one revealed a classic tale of two extremes. While scouts on the eastern leg in Ohio were sinking ankle-deep in mud trying to sample waterlogged, late-planted crops, scouts on the western leg in South Dakota battled drought-stressed cornfields showing early shutdown.

In South Dakota, AgriTalk host and team lead Chip Flory says barren stalks, tip-back and scattered disease pressure were taking a toll on corn yield potential. Meanwhile, soybeans are proving more resilient in the state. Recent rains and late-set pods are giving some fields a chance to add bushels, although August moisture needs remain critical.

USDA’s August 12 forecast puts South Dakota corn at 151 bu. per acre in 2026, down 20 bu. from 171 in 2025, while soybeans are forecast at 41 bu. per acre, down 6 bu. from 47 in 2025.

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