Illinois crop conditions improved during the past week despite continued hot and dry weather, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Conditions Report.
The USDA rated 60% of the state’s corn crop as good to excellent, up from 58% the previous week. Soybeans improved to 59% good to excellent, up from 56%.
Farmers had 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 19. The statewide average temperature was 80.1 degrees, or 4.5 degrees above normal, while precipitation averaged just 0.29 inches, 0.63 inches below normal.
Corn development remains close to average, with 69% of the crop silking and 18% reaching the dough stage. Soybean development is also near normal, with 66% blooming and 37% setting pods, well ahead of the five-year average of 25%.
Meanwhile, 95% of Illinois’ winter wheat crop has been harvested, just behind the five-year average of 97%.