The Illinois office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service has lowered corn yield estimates for the state.

The Illinois estimate made earlier this month is now 161 bushels an acre, down from 170 in August. The field report notes that the yield fell due to "exceptionally hot weather" while much corn was pollinating.

Monday's state crop report shows that the Illinois corn harvest is 22% complete. Last year at this time it was 54% finished.

Patrick Kirchhofer manages the Peoria County Farm Bureau. He says corn roots didn't penetrate normally because of a wet spring. He says that combined with extreme heat and dry weather meant the plants didn't have "a strong anchor."