Harvest in West Central Illinois was slightly delayed by some rainfall last week.
The local district saw 2.13 inches of precipitation, higher than the statewide average of 1.99 inches. As a result, the district also experienced the least amount of days suitable for fieldwork.
Ninety-four percent of corn acres in the West Southwest District are dented, 53-percent are in the mature stage, and three-percent are harvested. As for local soybeans, 46-percent are turning color and 14-percent are dropping leaves.
State crop statistician Mark Schleusener breaks down the statewide figures.
“Forty-two percent of corn acres are mature and 91-percent of acres have reached the dent stage. The condition of the corn crop is now rated three-percent very poor-to-poor, 12-percent fair and 85-percent good-to-excellent, nearly the same as one week ago. For soybeans, 50-percent of acres are now turning color. Fourteen percent are dropping leaves, compared to 26-percent last year and 18-percent normally. The condition of the crop is rated six percent very poor-to-poor, 15 fair and 79-percent good-to-excellent, the same as one week ago,” Schleusener says.
Topsoil moisture in the West Southwest District was three-percent short, 87-percent adequate and 10-percent surplus. Local subsoil moisture was three-percent short, 91-percent adequate and six-percent surplus.
Averages temperatures, both locally and throughout the state, were between four to five degrees above normal.