Crop report: corn and soybeans getting close to being fully planted

Posted on June 18, 2019
USDA’s Mark Scheusener says crops across Illinois are getting close to being completely planted. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Weather conditions improved for farming in Illinois for the week ending Sunday, but that’s not saying much.

USDA Illinois statistician Mark Schleusener says the averages were 66.2 degrees, almost six degrees cooler than normal; and 1.48 inches of rain, a half inch wetter than normal.

Corn and soybeans are 88 and 70 percent planted, respectively, and 74 and 50 percent emerged, respectively. 51 percent of corn is rated good or excellent.

Some farmers are already in for crop insurance. Schleusener says, “By now, in terms of corn acres, I think most of those decisions have been made.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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