Latest Crop Report from the USDA

The week of May 15th-22nd wasn't the greatest week with cool and damp conditions present nearly the entire week.  This did slow the emergence of corn and soybeans.  Statewide, the average temperature was 7 degrees below normal at 58.1 degrees.  Precipitation was nearly half an inch below average.

This week has been warm and dry, but it has actually helped a little in the emergence of corn and allowing farmers to continue planting.  There has been just enough moisture to help sustain the corn that has been planted, but we do need the rain.  And not the type of heavy downpours we've experienced the past couple of days.  But rather a good, soaking rain.  Hopefully this arrives Friday afternoon and evening.

Corn planted over the state of Illinois is currently at 89 percent, down from the five year average of 91 percent.  Corn emerged is up over its five year average at 77 percent, five year average is 68 percent.  Soybeans are planted roughly a few weeks after corn and farmers have still been working in the fields to get beans in.  Statewide, soybeans planted was at 51 percent, slightly down from its five year average of 55 percent.  Soybeans emerged were at 20 percent, slightly down again from its five year average of 25 percent.