Rain-Driven Preharvest Sprouting in Corn & Soybeans

On the Cornelius Seed Podcast, fill-in host Kariann Kuntz talks with agronomist Craig Allaman about unusually wet conditions across Iowa and northern Illinois that are delaying harvest and contributing to preharvest sprouting—soybeans sprouting in split pods and corn kernels sprouting on the ear. Craig explains how recent hot, dry stress followed by heavy rains can make soybean pods brittle, causing them to split and allow moisture in, and how corn below 20% moisture can sprout again when husks open and water pools at the base of the ear. He notes sprouting can also be associated with ear rots like Gibberella and Trichoderma, often tied to ear tip damage. The key advice is to scout fields now, reprioritize harvest to protect yield and grain quality, and dry affected corn at higher heat to stop germination. Read More on our website: https://www.corneliusseed.com/agronomy/wet-weather-alert-seed-germination-before-harvest/ 00:00 Rainy Harvest Stalls 00:22 Podcast Intro and Issue 01:15 Field Reports of Sprouting 02:18 Scout Now and Reprioritize 03:52 Why It’s Happening 05:15 Corn Mechanics and Scouting 06:02 Ear Rot and Damage Links 06:56 Key Takeaways and Drying 07:59 Wrap Up and Next Steps