News

Less than a quarter of corn and soybean planting remains in Illinois

Illinois farmers are more than three-quarters finished with both corn and soybean planting.

The USDA reports statewide there were about 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork last week and as of Sunday 84% of corn is planted. That remains well ahead of the 5-year average of 63%, with 45% of the crop emerged.

Soybean planting is 77% complete, compared to 45% on average, with 38% emerged.

The first cutting of alfalfa hay has also started at 1% complete, which is behind the average of 8%.

75% of winter wheat has headed and the agency gives the crop a 62% good to excellent rating.