By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 11, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 69.9 degrees, 0.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.79 inches, 0.10 inches above normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 24 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 7 percent very short, 25 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 90 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 97 percent. Corn dented reached 70 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 84 percent. Corn mature reached 16 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 36 percent. Corn harvested for grain reached 1 percent, compared to the 5- year average of 2 percent. Corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 24 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 91 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 97 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 15 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 20 percent. Soybean condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 48 percent good, 19 percent excellent.

September yield forecast:

Corn: Planted area is estimated at 10.8 million acres, down 2 percent from last year. Harvested area, forecast at 10.55 million acres, is down 3 percent from 2021. Based on September 1 conditions, the Illinois corn yield is forecast at 204 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from 2021. Production is forecast at 2.15 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last year’s production.

Soybeans: Planted area is estimated at 10.8 million acres, up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area, forecast at 10.7 million acres, is up 2 percent from 2021. Based on September 1 conditions, the Illinois soybean yield is forecast at 64 bushels per acre, unchanged from last year. Production is forecast at a 685 million bushels, up 2 percent from 2021.

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