Illinois farmers are closer to completing the harvest

Posted on October 13, 2021
Corn harvested reached 55 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 46 percent. (WJBC file photo)

By USDA

(Weekly Progress Report)

There were 4.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 10, 2021. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.8 degrees, 12.2 above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.88 inches, 0.21 above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 17 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 20 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Corn harvested for grain reached 55 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 46 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 20 percent excellent. Soybeans turning color reached 97 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 96 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 89 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 43 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 45 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 22 percent excellent. Winter wheat planted reached 21 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 32 percent. Winter wheat emerged reached 7 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 8 percent.

(USDA Monthly Yield Forecast)

Corn: Planted area is estimated at 11.0 million acres, down 3 percent from last year. Harvested area, forecast at 10.8 million acres, is down 3 percent from 2020. Based on October 1 conditions, the Illinois corn yield is forecast at a record 210 bushels per acre, up 19 bushels from 2020. Production is forecast at 2.27 billion bushels, up 7 percent from last year’s production. Soybeans: Planted area is estimated at 10.60 million acres, up 3 percent from last year. Harvested area, forecast at 10.55 million acres, is up 3 percent from 2020. Based on October 1 conditions, the Illinois soybean yield is forecast at a record 64 bushels per acre, up 4 bushels from 2020. Production is forecast at a record 675 million bushels, up 10 percent from 2020.

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