Jeff Brown reported yesterday at FarmWeekNow.com that, “Illinois farmers have officially begun corn planting, according to USDA’s crop progress report released Monday afternoon. The weekly report tracked the state’s corn planting at 4 percent complete, the first measurable progress of the season.
“Last year at this time, Illinois corn planting was 30 percent complete.
“Temperatures remain well below normal, however, and FarmWeek CropWatcher Randy Anderson said most farmers in his area focused on getting caught up on other fieldwork chores.”
Mr. Brown added that, “Last week’s average statewide temperature was nearly 11 degrees below average. Soil temperatures also remain on the low side.”
Yesterday’s update also noted that in Illinois, “The percentage of the wheat crop rated poor or very poor dropped from 12 percent to 7 percent.”
