Illinois farmers continue to make strong progress with the 2026 wheat harvest, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
As of June 21, 41 percent of the state’s winter wheat crop had been harvested, an increase of 21 percentage points from the previous week. Harvest is running well ahead of both last year’s pace of 15 percent and the five-year average of 32 percent.
Corn and soybean development is also keeping pace with or exceeding historical averages. Corn silking reached 1 percent, matching the five-year average, while 3 percent of soybeans were reported blooming, slightly ahead of the average of 2 percent.
Farmers had just 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the reporting week due to weather conditions. Statewide temperatures averaged 68.1 degrees, about five degrees below normal, while precipitation totaled 1.19 inches, slightly above average.
The state’s corn crop was rated 60 percent good to excellent, while soybeans were rated 58 percent good to excellent. Winter wheat conditions remained strong, with 75 percent of the crop rated good to excellent.
Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 93 percent adequate to surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated 89 percent adequate to surplus, providing favorable conditions for crop development across much of Illinois.