News

Illinois corn planting kicks off ahead of average

Above normal temperatures and adequate moisture across most of Illinois allowed for 5% of the corn crop to be planted last week. That is compared to 1% on average the past 5 years.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition report also shows winter wheat heading advanced by one percentage point to 3%, slightly ahead of average. The crop is rated 73% good to excellent compared to 61% a year ago.

The average temperature statewide was nearly 12 degrees above normal at 60 degrees with precipitation an inch higher than the five-year-average at 1.8 inches. That leaves topsoil and subsoil moisture only 6% short on average across the state. The most recent US Drought Monitor shows some counties in northeast Illinois are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.