CORN IN ILLINOIS IS BEGINNING TO MATURE AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT. (two stories, same lead).
RAINFALL WAS ABOVE NORMAL THIS PAST WEEK…ALTHOUGH SOME AREAS, ESPECIALLY WESTERN ILLINOIS, NEED RAIN. CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER SAYS CORN IS CHUGGING ALONG.
16 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE TURNING COLOR AND 29 PERCENT OF SORGHUM IS MATURE. THE THIRD CUTTING OF ALFALFA HAY IS NOW 84 PERCENT COMPLETE. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE IMPROVED TO SIX PERCENT VERY SHORT, 20 PERCENT SHORT, 68 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND SIX PERCENT SURPLUS.