(SPRINGFIELD) In yesterday’s USDA Illinois Crop Progress Report, the statewide average temperature was 73.3 degrees last week, 7.3 degrees below normal. Illinois’ average rainfall was 0.09 inches last week, 0.83 below normal. The state’s topsoil & subsoil moisture supplies were 54% and 48% short to very short respectively. As of Monday, corn in the dough stage was at 96% (compared to the 91% 5-year average), corn denting was at 72% (compared to the 65% 5-year average), and mature corn hit 15% (compared to the 13% 5-year average). Soybeans setting pods were at 95% (compared to the 93% 5-year average) and soybeans dropped leaves were at 16% (compared to the 5% 5-year average). The statewide crops are still mostly in good to excellent condition, 55% for corn and 53% for soybeans. Farmers are reminded to think “safety first” with the upcoming 2025 fall harvest.
