Illinois Sees Mixed Crop Progress and Moisture Conditions This Week

By Andi Anderson

In the week ending May 11, 2025, Illinois farmers experienced 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing steady advancement in planting activities across the state. Moisture conditions remained mostly favorable, supporting early-season crop growth.

Topsoil moisture was reported at 3% very short, 16% short, 54% adequate, and 27% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern with 4% very short, 18% short, 55% adequate, and 23% surplus. These numbers reflect a relatively balanced soil moisture situation, with most fields in good shape for planting and crop development.

Corn planting reached 54% completion, which is slightly below the five-year average of 60%. Despite this, corn emergence was nearly on par, standing at 25% compared to the average of 26%. This shows that while planting was a bit delayed, crop emergence is progressing well.

Soybeans showed stronger progress, with 51% of the crop already planted, which is ahead of the five-year average of 48%. Soybean emergence also performed well, reaching 22%, compared to the five-year average of 18%. This suggests favorable growing conditions and good soil preparation.

Winter wheat development is slightly behind schedule, with heading reported at 46%, while the five-year average stands at 57%. However, the overall condition of the winter wheat crop remains stable. It was rated as 1% very poor, 5% poor, 34% fair, 49% good, and 11% excellent.

Overall, Illinois farmers continue to make good use of fieldwork opportunities despite some dry patches. With balanced moisture and strong soybean progress, the outlook for the 2025 growing season remains optimistic.

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