IT WAS A DRY WEEK FOR ILLINOIS FARM FIELDS AS WE HEAR IN THE WEEKLY CROP REPORT.

THERE WAS PLENTY OF TIME FOR FIELDWORK…WITH PRECIPITATION ABOUT A HALF INCH BELOW NORMAL. CROP STATISTICIAN MARK SCHLEUSENER SAYS 93 PERCENT OF CORN IS NOW SILKING.

80 PERCENT OF SOYBEANS ARE BLOOMING, AND 49 PERCENT ARE SETTING PODS. 39 PERCENT OF THE SOYBEAN CROP IS RATED IN GOOD TO EXCELLENT CONDITION. 

THE SECOND CUTTING OF ALFALFA HAY IS NOW 92 PERCENT COMPLETE.

AVERAGE STATEWIDE TOPSOIL MOISTURE DECLINED TO 20 PERCENT VERY SHORT, 42 PERCENT SHORT, 37 PERCENT ADEQUATE AND ONE PERCENT SURPLUS.