Illinois corn and soybean crops continue to move toward harvest, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report released August 31st.
For the week ending August 30, farmers had 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture was rated 3% very short, 17% short, 73% adequate and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 5% very short, 20% short, 71% adequate and 4% surplus.
Statewide, 94% of corn had reached the dough stage and 62% was dented. Eleven percent of the crop was mature, matching the five-year average. Corn condition was rated 58% good to excellent.
Soybeans setting pods reached 94%, compared with the five-year average of 92%. Eleven percent were dropping leaves, ahead of the five-year average of 7%. Soybean condition was rated 59% good to excellent.
High temperatures across much of Illinois this week are expected to accelerate crop maturity and help fields dry down as harvest approaches.