Unlike their neighbors to the west, many Illinois farmers have adequate moisture for their crops so far this season. Nearly 80% of the state reported no drought conditions, according to the June 15 drought monitor.
However, drought is challenging growers in the northern three tiers of the state. Extreme drought was reported in parts of Boone, McHenry, Lake, DeKalb, Kane, and Cook counties covering about 3% of the state. An additional 4% of the state is suffering from severe drought. About 3% of Illinois is in moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions are scattered across about 11% of the state.
Average temperatures the week ending June 13 were about 78° F., more than 7°F. above normal. The driest parts of northeast Illinois saw temperatures pushing 11°F. above average between June 8 and 15.
Precipitation has also been below average. However, a handful of counties reported 2 or more inches of precipitation between June 8 and 15. More than 4 inches of precipitation was recorded in the southeastern part oof the state.
The June 14 Crop Progress Report showed topsoil moisture supply was rated 6% very short, 28% short, 56% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 5% very short, 25% short, 63% adequate, and 7 % surplus.
Little precipitation made for 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 13, said the latest Crop Progress Report.
ILLINOIS CORN PROGRESS
Corn emergence is nearly complete at 98%, well ahead of the 90% five-year average.
The condition of Illinois corn declined to 1% very poor, 3% poor, 28% fair, 57% good, and 11% excellent.
Compared with what she’s seeing from friends around the country, crops at Jenny Schweigert’s in-laws’ farm in Tremont, Illinois, look great. “We are extremely fortunate. It breaks my heart to see some others,” she says.
ILLINOIS SOYBEAN PROGRESS
Soybean planting is almost done at 95% complete, ahead of the 87% five-year average.
Soybean emergence was pegged at 91%, ahead of last year at 82% and the five-year average of 75%.
Monday’s report rated Illinois soybean condition 1% very poor, 4% poor, 32% fair, 53% good, and 10% excellent.
ILLINOIS HAY, PASTURE, AND RANGE CONDITION
The first cutting of alfalfa hay reached 97% complete. Monday’s Crop Progress Report indicated a drop in pasture and range condition to 1% very poor, 3% poor, 30% fair, 43% good, and 23% excellent.
