The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its March crop report on Tuesday, revealing higher-than-average temperatures and shifting planting trends for the upcoming season.
For March, the average temperature across the state was 46.9 degrees—6.1 degrees above normal. Precipitation came in at 2.86 inches, which is 0.25 inches below the typical average.
As of March 30th, soil moisture ratings reflected some concerns: topsoil moisture was rated 7% very short, 27% short, 54% adequate, and 12% surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 7% very short, 40% short, 42% adequate, and 11% surplus.
The condition of winter wheat remained strong, with 61% rated good and 8% excellent; only 1% was rated poor.
According to the USDA’s prospective plantings report, U.S. farmers plan to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, a decrease of 3% from last year. Soybean acreage is expected to rise to 84.7 million acres, up 4%. All wheat planted area is projected at 43.8 million acres, down 3% from 2025. Winter wheat planted area is estimated at 32.4 million acres, a 2% drop.
In Illinois, farmers intend to plant 10.9 million acres of corn, down 3% from last year, while soybean acreage is expected to increase 2% to 10.5 million acres.
These estimates are based on surveys completed by nearly 74,000 farm operators nationwide during the first two weeks of March.