Illinois corn and soybean crops continue to develop ahead of normal, according to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The report shows 8 percent of the state’s corn crop has reached the silking stage, three percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Soybean development is also running ahead of schedule, with 17 percent of the crop blooming, five points above average, and 3 percent already setting pods—well ahead of both last year and the five-year average.
Farmers had just 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 28 due to frequent rainfall. Statewide, temperatures averaged 70 degrees, about 4.4 degrees below normal, while precipitation totaled 2.41 inches, more than an inch above average.
The state’s corn crop was rated 60 percent good to excellent, while soybeans were rated 55 percent good to excellent.
Winter wheat harvest also continued to advance, reaching 64 percent complete. While slightly behind the five-year average of 69 percent, the wheat crop remains in good condition, with 75 percent rated good to excellent.
Soil moisture levels remain favorable across much of Illinois, with topsoil and subsoil supplies largely rated adequate to surplus following recent rainfall.