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Illinois farmer still optimistic despite replants and tornadoes

A central Illinois farmer says 2026 will be a growing season he won’t soon forget.

Thomas Perkins, who raises corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and cattle in Effingham County, tells Brownfield, “We did have a 40 acre piece that got hit by tornado damage. If you’ve ever seen a tornado rip through a field, it’s just unbelievable. We had minor damage compared to anybody that had a house, or barn, or livestock. My hearts go out to them”

He says it’s another challenge on top of a rainy spring and never-ending planting season.

“I think there’ll be a lot of 250 bushel corn and there might be some 100 bushel corn in the county,” he says. “It just depends. We planted in March, April, May, June, and I even replanted some of those beans in July. When you’re planting for five months, that’s not a good situation. But overall, I think we’ll be okay this year.”

Statewide, adverse conditions continue to take a toll on crops.  The USDA says 60% of the corn crop is in good to excellent condition, with 69% silking and 18% in dough stage, while 59% of soybeans are in good shape with 66% blooming and 37% setting pods.  The Illinois winter wheat crop is 95% harvested.