News

IL crops improve on needed rainfall

Crop ratings have improved with last week’s rain.

USDA says Illinois’ corn silking is underway at 60 percent. The crop is rated 70 percent good to excellent, four percent higher on the week.

Soybeans blooming is up to 41 percent, with eight percent are setting pods. Illinois soybeans are rated 62 percent good to excellent, up 10 percent on the week.

Pasture conditions in the state fell slightly last week but remain mostly fair or better; 53 percent are rated good to excellent. Ground conditions have improved some; topsoil moisture is 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, and 67 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture is 11 percent very short, 18 percent short and 69 percent adequate.