Frequent rainfall and saturated fields continue to slow Illinois wheat harvest, particularly in central and northern parts of the state.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 78% of the state’s winter wheat crop had been harvested as of July 5, trailing both last year’s pace of 84% and the five-year average of 87%.
The USDA reported farmers had 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. Topsoil and subsoil moisture remained mostly adequate to surplus following above-normal rainfall.
Corn silking reached 17%, slightly behind the five-year average, while soybean development continues to run ahead of normal. Soybeans blooming reached 33%, and 8% of the crop had begun setting pods.
Crop conditions remain generally favorable. Corn was rated 58% good to excellent, soybeans 58% good to excellent, and winter wheat 75% good to excellent despite harvest delays caused by wet field conditions.