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Growing season woes impacting Illinois crop averages, but farmer expects a good harvest
USDA data shows Illinois crop conditions took a step backward last week but a southwestern Illinois farmer is pleased with how his crops look as he preprares for harvest season.
Illinois Farm Bureau President and Randolph County Farmer Rich Guebert tells Brownfield, “Our corn crop really looks good, the beans really look good, I think there is an opportunity for a really good harvest.”
As of Sunday, the USDA rates Illinois corn 67% good to excellent, a 7-point drop on the week with soybeans also 67% good to excellent a 4-point drop.
Both averages are slightly lower than this time last year and Guebert says that is a reflection of the wide variety of weather woes across the state this season including drought in some areas and flooding in others.
“So, we will just have to work at it one day at a time, but for the most part I think Illinois farmers are pretty happy with what they see in the fields. Time will tell when the combines run.”
The USDA reports 85% of corn is in the dough stage and 50% is dented, while 85% of soybeans are setting pods.
