By Andi Anderson
For the week ending May 18, 2025, Illinois experienced 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork. This allowed farmers to make good progress in planting and crop care. The statewide average temperature reached 67.4°F, which is 4.6 degrees above the normal range.
However, the state received only 0.39 inches of precipitation—about 0.80 inches less than average—leading to reduced moisture in some areas.
Topsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 26 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels followed a similar pattern, with 5 percent very short, 23 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus.
These conditions show that while some regions face dry soils, most areas still have enough moisture for crops to grow.
Corn planting reached 74 percent, slightly behind the five-year average of 77 percent. However, corn emergence stood at 54 percent, ahead of the average of 48 percent. This means the warmer weather helped speed up the sprouting of planted corn.
Soybeans were 67 percent planted, a bit ahead of the five-year average of 64 percent. Soybeans emerged at 45 percent, much better than the 33 percent five-year average. These numbers reflect solid progress and healthy growth.
Winter wheat heading reached 63 percent, trailing the five-year average of 77 percent. As for the condition of the winter wheat crop, 5 percent was rated poor, 35 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.
In summary, Illinois crops are progressing well despite slightly dry conditions. Higher temperatures helped boost growth, particularly for corn and soybeans. Farmers are closely watching moisture levels as the season continues.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather