News

Illinois planting continues

The USDA says Illinois farmers continue to make planting progress.

Western Illinois farmer Brady Holst, who’s based in Hancock County, says his fields are off to a good start.

“We got the corn in in less than a week before the end of April.”  He says, “Then finished up the beans a little bit after that shortly into May. Probably one of the better emergence for corn that we’ve seen in several years.”

The latest weekly crop progress and condition report shows 86 percent of Illinois soybeans were planted as of Sunday, compared to 75 percent last week.  Soybeans emerged reached 71 percent with 59% in good to excellent condition. The USDA says 93 percent of corn has been planted, compared to 82 percent last week; with 80 percent emerged and 63% in good to excellent condition.  

Holst tells Brownfield, “We had a little bit of some replant because we had some kind of crusting over on some of the beans we had to do, but really a lot of the corn looks about identical in this area,” he says.

Fifty seven percent of winter wheat is rated good to excellent condition, with 94% headed. 

Sixty five percent of pastures are rated good to excellent condition, and 70% of alfalfa first cutting is complete.

AUDIO: Brady Holst – Illinois farmer