Illinois corn and soybean crops continue to show strong condition ratings as the 2026 growing season moves into August, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report.
The report, released Monday, showed 60% of the state’s corn crop is rated good to excellent, while 58% of soybeans received the same rating. The Illinois winter wheat harvest is now complete.
USDA reported there were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 2. The statewide average temperature was 75.4 degrees, just 0.2 degrees above normal, while precipitation averaged 1.77 inches, or 0.83 inches above normal.
Corn development remains on pace with the five-year average. 94% of the crop has reached the silking stage, 47% has reached the dough stage, and 3% has dented. Corn condition was rated 2% very poor, 9% poor, 29% fair, 47% good and 13% excellent.
Soybean development is also tracking near average, with 88% of the crop blooming and 62% setting pods. Soybean condition was rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 31% fair, 48% good and 10% excellent.
Topsoil moisture was rated 5% very short, 14% short, 73% adequate and 8% surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated 6% very short, 22% short, 64% adequate and 8% surplus.