Nearly half of Illinois’ soybean crop had reached the pod-setting stage before the end of July, according to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report.
The report, released Monday, showed 81% of soybeans were blooming and 50% had reached the pod-setting stage, both ahead of the five-year averages of 77% and 43%, respectively.
Corn development also continued to progress, with 86% of the crop silking, just behind the five-year average of 88%, while 30% had reached the dough stage, ahead of the five-year average of 26%.
Farmers had 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 26. The statewide average temperature was 72.3 degrees, which was 3.1 degrees below normal, while precipitation averaged 0.43 inches, 0.44 inches below normal.
Topsoil moisture was rated 6% very short, 23% short, 61% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 7% very short, 20% short, 63% adequate, and 10% surplus.
The state’s corn crop was rated 59% good to excellent, with 28% fair and 13% poor to very poor.
Illinois soybeans were rated 57% good to excellent, while 30% were rated fair and 13% poor to very poor.
Meanwhile, the winter wheat harvest was 98% complete, slightly behind the five-year average of 99%.