News

Illinois corn begins to mature

Four percent of Illinois corn reached maturity last week, down from the five-year average of 10%, but with the statewide average temperature 6.5 degrees above normal the crop is drying out for the upcoming harvest.

As of Sunday, the USDA reports 88% of the crop is in the dough stage with 65% dented. Illinois corn is rated 70% good to excellent, up 3 percentage points from the week before.

95% of soybeans are setting pods with 71% of the crop in good to excellent condition, up 4 points on the week.

Pasture conditions improved week over week despite several farmers battling an early arrival of fall armyworms.