Hot, dry weather having impact on Illinois’ crops

Hot, dry weather dominated the state, with measurable amounts of precipitation limited to the Northeast and Southeast districts.
Statewide, temperatures averaged 80 degrees, which was 6.8 degrees above normal.
Precipitation across the state averaged 0.30 inches, which is 0.53 inches below normal. The dry conditions across the state continue to have a negative impact on the crop conditions,  with many reports of firing in corn fields across the state.
There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork.
Topsoil moisture continued to decline, and was rated at 27 percent very short, 50 percent short and 23 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture was rated at 16 percent very short, 50 percent short and 34 percent adequate.
Corn dough reached 93 percent, compared to 99 percent last year and the five-year average of 94 percent. Corn in the dent stage reached 46 percent, compared to 94 percent last year and the five-year average of 69 percent. Corn condition was rated at 3 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 46 percent good and 11 percent excellent.
Soybeans blooming progressed to 97 percent, and soybeans setting pods reached 91 percent. Some soybean fields have started turning yellow. Soybean condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 45 percent good and 7 percent excellent.
Pasture conditions continued to decline, and were rated at 7 percent very poor, 22 percent poor, 43 percent fair, 26 percent good and 2 percent excellent.