(SPRINGFIELD) In this week’s USDA Illinois Crop Progress Report, the statewide harvest is rolling on as the dry conditions persist throughout much of the state. In fact, only 25% of topsoil moisture is rated adequate with none rated surplus, plus only 22% of the statewide pastures are in good to excellent condition. As of Sunday, Illinois’ corn crop denting was at 93% (compared to the 88% 5-year average), mature corn hit 50% (compared to the 47% 5-year average), and corn harvested on average is at 5% (compared to the 5-year average of 4%). Soybeans dropping leaves are at 60% (compared to the 39% 5-year average) and soybeans harvested hit 3% (compared to the 2% 5-year average). Despite the droughty conditions, both crops are still in mostly good to excellent shape, 54% for corn and 50% for soybeans. The state’s winter wheat planted is at 2% (compared to the 1% 5-year average). Farmers and all ag-related workers are reminded to think “safety first” as the 2025 fall harvest is starting.
