The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that the majority of Illinois crops are in good shape heading into late June, with both corn and soybean conditions improving over the past week.
As of Sunday, June 15th, 70% of the state’s corn crop was rated good to excellent, up 2% from the previous week. Corn planting is complete, with 93% emerged, just slightly behind the five-year average of 96%. Corn condition breakdown shows 2% very poor, 6% poor, 22% fair, 55% good, and 15% excellent.
Soybeans are also progressing well, with 93% planted and 87% emerged, close to the five-year averages of 95% and 89%, respectively. The soybean condition improved by 4% this week, with 63% rated good to excellent. Ratings include 3% very poor, 7% poor, 27% fair, 52% good, and 11% excellent.
Winter wheat is nearly fully headed at 99%, matching the five-year average. However, only 1% of the crop has been harvested, far behind the five-year average of 15%. Wheat condition ratings were 5% very poor, 8% poor, 30% fair, 47% good, and 10% excellent.
Field conditions were favorable for progress, with an average of 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. The average statewide temperature was 70.6 degrees, slightly below normal by 0.9 degrees. Precipitation averaged 0.62 inches, which is 0.35 inches below normal.
Topsoil moisture was rated 3% very short, 16% short, 62% adequate, and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 4% very short, 21% short, 58% adequate, and 17% surplus.
With most crops in solid condition and fieldwork moving ahead steadily, Illinois farmers are poised for continued growth as summer begins.
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