By Andi Anderson
Farmers in Illinois had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending June 23, 2024. The state's average temperature was 80.6 degrees, which is 7.2 degrees above normal.
The rainfall was below average, with only 0.74 inches, 0.21 inches less than usual. This weather led to varied soil moisture levels: topsoil was rated 13 percent very short, 34 percent short, 52 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture was 9 percent very short, 30 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus.
Corn in Illinois showed significant progress, with 96 percent of corn emerging, slightly above the 5-year average of 95 percent. Corn silking had just begun, reaching 1 percent.
The condition of the corn was mostly positive, with 50 percent rated good and 12 percent rated excellent, though some areas faced challenges, with 4 percent very poor and 6 percent poor.
Soybeans also showed promising growth. About 96 percent of soybeans were planted, which is slightly higher than the 5-year average of 94 percent. Soybeans emerged at 90 percent, compared to the average of 89 percent. Soybeans blooming reached 4 percent, ahead of the 5-year average of 2 percent.
The soybean condition was favorable overall, with 51 percent rated good and 8 percent rated excellent, although 3 percent were very poor, and 7 percent were poor.
Winter wheat harvest was notably ahead of schedule, with 72 percent harvested, compared to the 5-year average of 34 percent.
Overall, Illinois farmers benefited from the warmer weather and sufficient moisture for strong crop progress, despite some areas experiencing drier conditions. This season's progress indicates a positive outlook for corn and soybean yields in Illinois.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather