By Alex Degman/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – The state was warmer and wetter than normal last week, that means a mixed bag for the state’s crops.
USDA crop statistician Mark Schleusener said the state overall received an inch of rain, though southern Illinois got a bit less. He said corn and soybean farmers could use a break, but the winter wheat crop is starting to go in.
“That’s not necessarily good to help that wheat seed that’s been planted emerge up and get a good start this fall, it needs some rain to make that happen,” Schleusener said. “While an end to the rain is beneficial for getting the harvest done, there are those soybean fields that could still take advantage of additional rain.”
Many of those fields are in southern Illinois, where Schleusener said some soybeans aren’t turning color yet.
Overall, 54 percent of the state’s corn crop is in good to excellent condition and is 13 percent harvested. Soybeans are three percent harvested and 80 percent are turning color.
