Another week of very little rain has led to a decline in Illinois crop conditions. This past week was cooler and drier than normal, with rainfall more than an inch below average for this time of year. That’s left just 33 percent of soybeans and 36 percent of corn in good to excellent condition. Statistician Mark Schleusener looks at the winter wheat crop.
“Wheat harvest started in some areas of the state and was reported as 13 percent finished as of Sunday. That compares to 16 percent one year ago and 17 percent for the five year average. The condition of the Illinois wheat crop was reported as 5 percent very poor to poor, 30 fair, and 65 percent good to excellent.”
The first cutting of alfalfa hay is nearly complete and four percent of the second cutting is done. Average statewide topsoil moisture dropped to 42 percent very short, 45 percent short and 13 percent adequate.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services***
