The latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition report shows Illinois corn and soybeans remain largely in good shape, with development pacing ahead of the five-year average.
Corn was rated 61% good to excellent, down two points from last week, with 5% very poor, 9% poor, 25% fair, 45% good, and 16% excellent. Corn development reached 92% dough (87% five-year average), 59% dented (50% average), and 3% mature.
Soybeans were rated 58% good to excellent, up two points week over week, with 5% very poor, 11% poor, 26% fair, 42% good, and 16% excellent. Soybeans were 91% setting pods (88% average), with 2% dropping leaves (1% average).
Field conditions were favorable, with 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending August 24. The statewide average temperature was 73.8 degrees, 0.3 degrees above normal, and precipitation averaged 0.55 inches, 0.11 inches below normal.
Soil moisture trended on the dry side in many areas. Topsoil moisture was rated 17% very short, 26% short, 54% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 17% very short, 25% short, 56% adequate, and 2% surplus.
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