Illinois crops are looking for the home stretch

Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. (Photo by Andy Melton/flickr)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 5, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 70.7 degrees, 0.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.24 inches, 0.58 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 7 percent very short, 18 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 96 percent, even with the 5-year average. Corn dented reached 83 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 76 percent. Corn mature reached 30 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 23 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 24 percent excellent.

Soybeans turning color reached 22 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 25 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 9 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 7 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.

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