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Central Illinois farmer says excess rain and high heat impacted corn yields

A central Illinois farmer says he’s over half done harvesting a disappointing 2026 corn crop.

Derek Martin, who grows corn, soybeans, and cover crops in Logan County, says excessive rains and hot temperatures during the growing season took a toll on yields.

“It depends on how your farm lays.”  He says, “If it’s got a little bit of roll to it, the corn’s exceptional.  If it’s flat and black, or it’s got no drainage, it’s not very good.”

He tells Brownfield, “We knew it hurt some of it, I will say, I didn’t think it was going to be that bad.”  He says, “It’s nothing on a farm this year to see a 100 bushel swing from one side of the field to the other.”

Statewide, the USDA says 36% of the corn crop is harvested, 6% ahead of average pace, with 58% in good to excellent condition, and 92% mature, while 31% of soybeans are harvested, 2% ahead of average, with 58% in good shape and 87% dropping leaves.  Fifteen percent of winter wheat is planted with 2% emerged.

AUDIO: Derek Martin – Illinois farmer