Illinois Corn and Soybeans Outpace Averages, USDA Reports

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois corn and soybean crops are developing ahead of schedule, with 92 percent of corn silking and 35 percent in the dough stage, both above the five-year averages. Soybeans are 81 percent blooming and 50 percent setting pods. Most of the crop is in good to excellent condition, with 71 percent of corn and 65 percent of soybeans rated in the top categories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.