By Andi Anderson
Illinois' harvest season is approaching its conclusion, and the results are looking quite promising. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 81% of the corn and 89% of soybeans have already been reported. These figures are exceeding expectations and are ahead of the usual schedule.
In Central Illinois, where concerns were raised due to a drought, farmers have reason to celebrate. Despite the challenges, the crops managed to pull through.
While it may not be a record-breaking harvest, particularly for corn, which has seen exceptional yields in recent years, the current results are still remarkable when compared to the 10-year average.
There have been minor delays recently, mainly related to some corn crops taking longer to dry out and issues at the grain elevators. However, overall, the situation is positive.
Interestingly, the recent frost, which might have raised concerns for the crops, actually proved beneficial for the soybean crop. A hard frost helps with the easier processing of weeds and grass present in the fields when they go through the combine.
As for the timeline, the harvest is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, possibly even sooner. The local reports are encouraging, with some farmers achieving 200 bushels of corn per acre and 70 bushels of soybeans per acre.
The 2023 harvest season in Illinois paints a favorable picture for farmers, with crop yields exceeding expectations and showing resilience in the face of challenges. This promising outcome reflects the hard work and dedication of the state's agricultural community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: Illinois, Harvesting