News

Illinois farmers make modest planting progress

The USDA says Illinois farmers made modest planting progress last week.

Brian Corkill, who farms in Henry & Stark Counties, says he’s not started planting yet, but there’s been a lot of work done in his area.

“I would say that 40 to 50% of the soybeans have been planted.”  He says, “Then corn, I would say probably less than 5%. There’s a little bit done, but not a lot on the corn side.”

The latest weekly crop progress and condition report shows 22% of Illinois soybeans planted as of Sunday, compared to 10% last week, and 24% last year.  Soybeans emerged reached 4%.  The USDA says 16% of corn has been planted, compared to 7% last week, and 23% last year; with 2% emerged.  Corkill tells Brownfield…

“I haven’t planted corn in April, probably since 2017.”  He says, “Most of my corn gets planted in May because I try to wait for as ideal conditions as I can have.”

Fifty seven percent of winter wheat is rated good to excellent condition, up 2% from last week, and winter wheat headed reached 16%, 4% ahead of average.

Sixty percent of pastures are rated good to excellent condition; 4% down from last week.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11% short or very short, while subsoil moisture was rated 16% percent short or very short.

AUDIO: Brian Corkill – Illinois farmer