Illinois Corn and Soybean Planting Lags Behind Average Despite Warmer April

SPRINGFIELD – Corn and soybean planting in Illinois moved forward during the final week of April, though progress remains behind the state’s five-year averages, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As of April 27, 16% of corn and 22% of soybeans had been planted, with soybean planting slightly ahead of average but corn planting trailing the typical pace. Emergence for both crops remains low, with 2% of corn and 4% of soybeans emerged. Warmer-than-normal temperatures helped fieldwork in some areas, but wet conditions limited the number of days suitable for planting.