MORE THAN HALF THE CORN CROP HAS BEEN HARVESTED ALREADY IN ILLINOIS.

THE COOL, DRY WEATHER GAVE FARMERS PLENTY OF TIME IN THE FIELDS THIS PAST WEEK SAYS CHIEF STATE CROP STATISTICIAN BRAD SCHWAB.

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SOYBEAN HARVESTING IS ALSO UNDERWAY. 66 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE DROPPING LEAVES AND EIGHT PERCENT HAVE BEEN HARVESTED. 62 PERCENT OF THE SOYBEAN CROP IS RATED IN FAIR TO POOR CONDITION.

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AS FOR OTHER CROPS…FIVE PERCENT OF WINTER WHEAT HAS BEEN PLANTED…AND 14 PERCENT OF SORGHUM HAS BEEN HARVESTED. THE THIRD CUTTING OF ALFALFA IS NOW 94 PERCENT COMPLETE. AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE NOW STANDS AT ONE PERCENT SURPLUS…48 PERCENT ADEQUATE…36 PERCENT SHORT AND 15 PERCENT VERY SHORT.