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Illinois crops emerging in full force

As Illinois farmers plan their final planting passes, corn and soybeans are rapidly emerging across the state.

The USDA reports as of Sunday, 91% of Illinois corn and 85% of soybeans are in the ground. Marshall County farmer Bill Leigh tells Brownfield there are few fields left to be planted in his area.

“It looks good around here. Right now, corn is 4 inches tall. Beans are probably getting first trifoliate out- those that were planted early, so it’s getting ready to start to really move.”

USDA data shows 68% of corn and 57% of soybeans have emerged and in the first condition ratings of the year, the agency ranks corn 69% and soybeans 57% good to excellent. Topsoil is considered 87% adequate to surplus, but Leigh says they will need more consistent heat and timely rains to fulfill current crop potential.

The agency’s weekly crop report also rates the Illinois winter wheat crop 67% good to excellent with 84% headed. The first cutting of alfalfa hay is 19% complete.

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