News

USDA: Planting underway in IL

Planting has officially begun in Illinois.

The USDA’s first weekly crop progress and condition report of the season shows one percent of both corn and soybeans have been planted in the state.

The winter wheat crop is better than last year at this point at 11 percent very poor to poor, 25 percent fair, and 64 percent good to excellent, which is slightly worse than last week, but better than a year ago.

Soil temps ranged from the low 40’s in northern Illinois to the upper 50’s in southern Illinois last week.  There were 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week, and topsoil moisture supply was rated 38 percent short or very short across the state.