As fall approaches, the harvest has begun for many farmers across Illinois. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the statewide corn harvest is now 6% complete, up from just 2% during the previous week, though still below the 5-year average of 12%. A total of 61% of the corn crop is now rated as mature, which is actually above the 5-year average of 53%.
Progress shows some strong regional correlation. Corn harvest in the Central, West-Southwest, and Southwest regions of the state has reached 10% complete, while 0% of the Northwest region’s fields have been harvested.
Soybeans continue to make progress as well, with 32% of the plants dropping leaves, which is one of the last steps before maturity. That’s a major increase from just 12% during the previous week. The third cutting of hay is also nearly complete, with 90% of acres now baled.