USDA: Corn planting nearly done in Illinois

Corn planting
Ninety-seven percent of the corn crop has been planted in Illinois this year. (WJBC file photo)

By RFD Radio

SPRINGFIELD – Farmers around the state are wrapping up with planting but there are a few pockets where more work needs to be done.

The National Agriculture Statistics Service said 97 percent of the state’s corn crop has been planted and nearly as much has sprouted up and out of the ground, but has been wet in the southern third of the state.

Crop statistician Mark Schleusener said that has held back soybean planting progress.

“Sixty-six percent of acres have emerged, just one percent above normal,” Schleusener said. “The condition of the crop improved slightly since last week and is now rated as six percent in very poor to poor condition, 21 percent fair and 73 percent in good to excellent condition.”

Eighty-one percent of beans have been planted. Top soil moisture is seen adequate or surplus over 90 percent of the state.

 

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