The Illinois Wheat Association’s annual wheat plot tour found the state’s wheat crop in strong shape, with an estimated average yield of 102.8 bushels per acre after scouting 143 fields across 25 counties. While slightly below recent record estimates, it’s well above last year’s 94.8 bushels per acre.
IWA President Tracy Heuerman reported healthy fields and high expectations, despite some minor disease presence like head scab and yellow dwarf virus. Fourteen counties had averages of 100 bushels or more, with yields ranging from 76.5 to 142.7 bushels per acre.
University of Illinois wheat breeder Jessica Rutkoski noted the crop is about 10 days ahead of normal in some areas, predicting an early and varied harvest. While Illinois fields look strong, wheat in some Great Plains states faces challenges from drought and weather.
The tour also served as a learning opportunity for new participants, who gathered at SIU’s Belleville Research Center for research updates after the event.