Corn harvest is 36 percent complete in Illinois. (Photo by Carrie Muehling/WJBC)

By Carrie Muehling

SPRINGFIELD - Although temperatures and precipitation levels were below average last week across Illinois, recent rains have begun to replenish the topsoil moisture in the state, which now stands at 51 percent adequate.  Subsoil moisture is now rated 17 percent adequate. 

Corn harvested stands at 36 percent, compared to nine percent last year and 13 percent for the five year average.  Seventy-five percent of the corn crop in Illinois is still rated poor or very poor.

Three percent of the soybean crop in Illinois has been harvested, slightly ahead of the two percent five year average.  Most of the state's soybeans are rated in fair condition this week.

Pastures across the state are improving thanks to recent rains in many areas.  Many farmers are working on a third cutting of alfalfa, and sorghum harvest has begun primarily in the southern part of the state.

Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.