By Andi Anderson
Illinois farmers experienced a slow start to the spring planting season due to cooler temperatures and low rainfall during the week ending April 13, 2025. Only 2.7 days were suitable for fieldwork, limiting farming activities across the state.
The average statewide temperature was 46.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 3.2 degrees below the normal average for this time of year. Precipitation was also below normal, measuring just 0.23 inches—0.72 inches less than expected.
This combination of cool and dry conditions has affected early-season crop development and delayed field operations.
Corn planting across the state reached only 1 percent, falling short of the 5-year average of 4 percent. Soybean planting fared slightly better, with 2 percent of the crop planted, matching the 5-year average.
Winter wheat progress also remained behind schedule. Only 1 percent of the crop had headed, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. However, the overall condition of the winter wheat crop remained positive. It was rated as 1 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.
Soil moisture levels showed mixed conditions. Topsoil moisture was reported as 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture levels were 1 percent very short, 27 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. These moisture levels indicate that most areas have enough water to support early crop development, but some regions may be too dry or too wet for planting.
As the weather improves, Illinois farmers hope to catch up on planting and fieldwork to stay on track for the growing season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock
Categories: Illinois, Weather