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Western Illinois Crop Development Picked Up Last Week
Illinois crop growth is still lagging behind previous years, but last week's cooler than normal temperatures didn't hurt development.

That's especially the case in western Illinois, where corn is now 61 percent silked, compared to the statewide average of 53 percent. Nearly half, or 46 percent, of the region's soybeans are blooming and 21 percent are setting pods. The latter number is the highest percentage in the state at this point of the growing season.

All of the crop development numbers trail previous year averages. In fact, the USDA's weekly report says it's the slowest progress in a decade. But crop statistician Brad Schwab says the better growing weather last week helped the crops catch-up a little bit.

"A second week of cold temperatures averaging nearly six degrees below normal, accompanied with average precipitation, provided for favorable corn and soybean growing conditions across the state," Schwab said.

The temperature in the west crop district averaged just under 70 degrees last week, or 6.3 degrees below normal. The area received .95 inches of rain, which is .16 of an inch below the norm for this time of year.

The condition of the state's corn is rated 62% good or excellent and soybeans are 61%. Topsoil moisture content across the state remains abundant -- rated at 94% adequate or surplus.
07 31 09 by Newsroom
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