Recent crop progress reports indicate most corn is in fair or better condition. However, high rainfall totals in the upper Midwest have some farms struggling to recover yield opportunity. According to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, yellowing corn, short or stunted corn and uneven progress are among the most common issues. However, he encourages farmers to keep going through the tough conditions. Here are his three tips for the rest of the season.

First, take care of pests that will attack fresh pollen. Silk clippers like rootworm beetle and Japanese beetle can eat up pollen and prevent pollination. Spraying could be a worthy investment if it helps the crop pollinate. Ferrie recommends farmers consult with local retailers to see if spraying is a good option.

Second, he urges operations to keep an eye out (and potentially spray) for tar spot. An early spraying might be necessary if the disease pops up at the base of the crop.

Lastly, Ferrie advocates for nitrate testing once corn has a chance to dry out. An additional nitrate application could help corn in need take on August.

Read more about combating uneven corn conditions here.