Illinois Corn and Soybean Crops Rated Mostly Good as Rain Slows Fieldwork

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois farmers made strong progress on corn and soybean development despite a wet week that limited fieldwork across much of the state. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Crop Progress and Condition report, 94% of Illinois corn had emerged by June 14, while 95% of soybeans had been planted and 89% had emerged. Corn condition was rated 66% good to excellent, with 28% fair and 6% poor to very poor. Soybeans were rated 61% good to excellent, with 32% fair and 7% poor to very poor. Farmers averaged just 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, down from 6.0 days the previous week. Topsoil moisture was reported as 57% adequate and 28% surplus, while subsoil moisture stood at 63% adequate and 20% surplus, reflecting the impact of recent rainfall across the state.