USDA crop report: Illinois’ corn and soybean crop ahead of average

Posted on July 31, 2024
Soybeans blooming reached 88 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 71 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 58 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 37 percent. (WJBC file photo)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 28, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 73.6 degrees, 1.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.66 inches, 0.21 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 17 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent. Corn dough reached 34 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 26 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 18 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 88 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 71 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 58 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 37 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…