Illinois Crop Conditions Sink Despite Fair Weather

Illinois soybean harvest has begun after a relatively calm growing season, weather-wise. Only two of Illinois’ 102 counties received USDA disaster designations, even amidst ongoing severe drought through most of the corn belt. The state saw its 47th wettest year on record, with moderate drought covering 8% of the state this final week of September.

However, corn condition has plummeted in the state with 5% rated very poor, 6% poor, 20% fair, 53% good and 16% excellent. Meanwhile, soybeans setting pods progressed 3% from last week with 9% of soybeans harvested, slightly behind the five-year average of 10%. Soybean conditions fell as well, with 5% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 51% good and 15% excellent.

Read more on Illinois crop conditions and harvest progress here.