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USDA: Illinois Farm Fields Could Use Some Rain
Cool temperatures across Illinois caused a bit of a slowdown for crop development.

The USDA's weekly crop report says the average temperature last week was just 68.6 degrees, and precipitation averaged a mere 13-hundredths of an inch.

Crop progress continues to trail last year's and the five-year averages. Only 12 percent of the corn is in the dented stage compared to 54 percent last year, and 70 percent of the soybeans are setting pods---versus 96 percent a year ago and the five-year average of 89 percent.

Mark Schleusener, deputy director of the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Illinois Field Office, says the flooding this year has finally moved out of the crop report.

"It was a cool week. Crop progress may have slowed down somewhat because of that. Temperatures averaged more than five degrees below normal, so it was actually really good state fair weather. But I think the corn could've used a few more heat units," Schleusener said.

Topsoil moisture in the state is rated 75 percent adequate or surplus. It's 74 percent in western Illinois.

The USDA rates the condition of the state's corn at 72 percent good or excellent, and soybeans at 66 percent. Corn development in western Illinois is ahead of the statewide averages, while the region's soybeans are a little bit behind.

08 19 08 by Newsroom
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