Illinois farmers are quickly wrapping up spring planting, with less than one-quarter of corn and soybean crops left to go in the ground, according to the latest USDA crop progress and condition report released Tuesday.
As of May 24th, 86% of corn and 84% of soybeans have been planted statewide. Corn emergence stands at 68%, and soybeans at 61%. Both crops are ahead of their 5-year averages, with corn at 84% planted and soybeans at 75% for this point in the season.
Weather conditions were favorable for fieldwork last week, with farmers able to work in their fields for an average of 4.1 days. Statewide average temperatures were 66.4 degrees, about 1.4 degrees above normal, while precipitation averaged 1.17 inches—just a touch below normal.
Soil conditions remain mostly favorable. Topsoil moisture is rated 68% adequate and 16% surplus, with only 4% very short and 12% short. Subsoil moisture is similar, with 67% adequate and 15% surplus.
Winter wheat is progressing well too, with 88% headed—above the 5-year average of 84%. The crop’s condition is mostly positive: 57% good, 13% excellent, and only 7% rated poor or very poor.