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Illinois farmer says soil conditions are still a little cool

A central Illinois farmer says a break in the weather has allowed them to finally start planting.

Stan Grebner tells Brownfield they started planting soybeans on Monday, and field conditions are just about right.  “The chiseled corn stalks that we did last fall are working up really well,” he says.  “There seems to be adequate soil moisture, but the temperature is cool yet.”

He says temperatures have been warm the past few days, but the 7-to-10-day forecast is set to shift with more rain and slightly cooler temperatures.

But, Grebner says he’s not too concerned.  “I think we’ll be okay,” he says.  “Most of the people around here have been putting their beans in first, they’ll tolerate the cooler temperatures better.  A few people are finishing up beans and starting on corn.”

According to the latest crop report from the USDA, 23 percent of the state’s corn crop has been planted and soybean planting is at 18 percent complete. 

AUDIO: Stan Grebner, Washburn, IL