(SPRINGFIELD) Corn and soybean planting continues at a rapid pace in downstate Illinois, pushing statewide progress ahead of average. The USDA reported 20% of soybeans were planted statewide as of this past Sunday, compared to the five-year average of 7%. Corn planting reached 13% by the same date, up from 4% the week prior and 5 percentage points ahead of average. The planting progress varies greatly from north to south based on moisture, which is a double-edged sword, as those making good headway in planting are also falling deeper into drought with their dry field conditions. Meanwhile, the winter wheat is also progressing well ahead of average with 18% headed as of Sunday, compared to 4% at the same time last year and the 6% five-year average. The wheat crop is rated 64% good to excellent, 29% fair, and only 7% poor to very poor. Farmers and all ag-related workers are reminded to think “safety first” this spring.
