Illinois crops aided by recent rains

Illinois corn crop
Fifty-six percent of Illinois’ corn crop is rated good to excellent. (Photo by stephaniesays/flickr)

By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Rain helped the crops a little in the week just past, according to the USDA’s state statistician in Illinois.

“There was actually some corn harvested in Sangamon County last week,” said a surprised Mark Schleusener. “I don’t think the bulk of producers will get going with their combines until after Labor Day.”

The current ratings for progress and condition: Corn is three percent mature and 56 percent in good-to-excellent condition. Soybeans are 88 percent setting pods and 52 percent in good-to-excellent condition.

“The state averaged 1.39 inches” of rain last week,” said Schleusener, noting that’s almost .75 inches more than normal. “When August hit, things kind of dried out quickly, so that rain was welcome.”

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