Illinois Crop Conditions Hold Steady as Corn and Soybeans Progress

SPRINGFIELD –  Corn and soybean development in Illinois continues to track near seasonal averages, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As of July 20, 79% of Illinois corn had reached the silking stage, with 15% in the dough stage, both slightly above the five-year average. Soybeans were 68% blooming and 30% setting pods, also ahead of average. Corn and soybean crop conditions remain mostly favorable, with 70% of corn and 60% of soybeans rated good to excellent. Winter wheat harvest in Illinois is nearly complete at 98%. Topsoil moisture is rated 68% adequate and 20% surplus, with an average of 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork last week.