News

IL planting nearing finish line

Illinois planting progress is starting to slow as corn and soybean planting gets closer to the finish line.

USDA says 89 percent of the state’s corn crop is planted, five percent ahead of the five-year average. Seventy – six percent of the crop has emerged, eight percent behind last year.

Three quarters of Illinois’ soybean crop is planted, nearly 10 percent ahead of average. More than half the crop has emerged, about even with the average.

Heading for Illinois’ winter wheat reached 91 percent, nearly caught up with last year. Wheat’s condition rating held steady at 85 percent fair or better.

Pasture conditions fell last week with most ground in fair or good condition; 54 percent rated good, and 19 percent rated excellent. Topsoil moisture is 72 percent adequate and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture is 78 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus.