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Planting progress jumps in Illinois

A central Illinois farmer says many in his area are making good planting progress.

Ken Franklin, who grows corn, soybeans, and wheat in Christian County, tells Brownfield…

“I’d say maybe it’s 50% or better of corn and beans are both in the ground.”  He says, “Different spots are ahead of that or behind, but a lot of progress has been made here in the month of April.”

He says recent rains have slowed things down, but he still expects to finish soon.

“We’re probably about 75% done with corn and beans both.”  He says, “With the window coming up here this week, at this time now, it’s time to get it in. Take the gamble and if you got to replant it, you got to replant it. It’s still pretty early.”

Statewide, planting is well ahead of average pace.  The USDA says 29% of the corn crop is planted, up 16% from last week, with 12% emerged, while 36% of soybeans are planted, also up 16% from last week, with 15% emerged.  The Illinois winter wheat crop is rated 67% in good to excellent condition.

AUDIO: Ken Franklin – Illinois farmer