THE DRY, HOT WEATHER CONTINUES TO TAKE A HEAVY TOLL ON ILLINOIS CROPS.

CHIEF STATE CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SCHWAB SAYS 38 PERCENT OF CORN IS NOW IN THE DOUGH STAGE.

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84 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE BLOOMING AND 40 PERCENT ARE SETTING PODS. SCHWAB NOTES NEARLY HALF THE CROP IS RATED IN POOR TO VERY POOR CONDITION.

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TOPSOIL MOISTURE IS DECLINING…WITH JUST ONE PERCENT STATEWIDE RATED ADEQUATE…19 PERCENT SHORT…AND 80 PERCENT VERY SHORT. AVERAGE TOPSOIL MOISTURE NOW STANDS AT ONE PERCENT ADEQUATE…19 PERCENT SHORT…AND 80 PERCENT VERY SHORT.