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Latest Illinois crop conditions

USDA says timely rains and moderate weather continue to benefit Illinois crops.

Sangamon County farmer Marty Marr says the growing season has been nearly ideal.

“The extremes weren’t extreme, I guess,” he says.  “And so, we were able to really see some growing conditions that were exceptional, and pollination is one that comes to mind because it cooled off some.  Pollination went I think extremely well.”

The latest weekly crop progress and condition report shows 73% of the corn crop and 64% of the soybean crop in good to excellent shape.  Marr tells Brownfield…

“We’ve got an early variety of bean that’s starting to turn pretty fast here right now.”  He says, “Two weeks, maybe 3 for sure. So, we could be seeing some combines roll.”

Ninety two percent of the corn crop is in dough stage, compared to 84% normally.  Corn dented reached 62%, ahead of the 47% average.  Corn mature reached 10%, 7% ahead of normal. 

Ninety three percent of soybeans are setting pods, 7% ahead of average; and 6% of soybeans are dropping leaves.

Pasture conditions are 49% good to excellent, with the third cutting of alfalfa at 78%, 4% ahead of average. 

Thirty eight percent of Illinois topsoil moistures are rated short or very short, while only 1% are rated surplus.

AUDIO: Marty Marr – Sangamon County IL farmer