News

Central Illinois farmer reports strong soybean yields so far

A central Illinois farmer says harvest conditions have been favorable.

“We’re about a third of the way done on soybeans and just getting a good start on corn.”

Jeff Scott, who farms in Christian County, says his April-planted soybeans have performed well.

“Way above our expectations and better than any beans we cut last year in the mid to upper 80s on the averages.”  He says, “I just hope the spread isn’t really wide between the two plantings.”

He tells Brownfield he expects the late-summer drought to impact later plantings, especially his double-crop soybeans.

“We haven’t had hardly any rain on those, so that might just be a cover crop this year.”  He says, “Hopefully we’ll get something there, but I don’t have very high hopes for it.”

Scott says early corn results are on pace with last year.

According to the USDA, as of Sunday, 21% of Illinois corn is harvested, 3% ahead of the average, with 57% in good to excellent condition, 85% mature, and 98% dented.  Twenty-one percent of soybeans are harvested, 7% ahead of the average, with 52% in good condition, and 89% dropping leaves.

Twelve percent of winter wheat is planted, with 1% emerged.

Drought conditions improved slightly week to week with 25% of topsoil moisture rated adequate or surplus, an improvement of 4%, but only 17% of Illinois pastures are rated in good to excellent condition.

AUDIO: Jeff Scott – Illinois farmer