Mid-Year Crop Review: Illinois Agriculture Update

The USDA released the latest Crop Progress report on June 23, providing insights into the weather conditions and the status of major crops in Illinois as June draws to a close. Here’s a detailed examination of the findings.

Weather Conditions Affecting Crop Growth

Last week commenced with cooler temperatures accompanied by rain and thunderstorms. Rainfall across various regions was inconsistent, ranging from a mere few tenths of an inch to over 3 inches in certain areas.

According to Syngenta agronomist Phil Krieg, the rain was timely as it led into a week marked by extreme heat. Reports from agronomist Ryan Gentle indicated that most areas in western Illinois received between 0.25 inches and 1.75 inches of rain, which allowed farmers to return to fieldwork as the weather turned.

As of the week ending June 22, farmers in Illinois enjoyed an average of 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork.

Corn Overview

Acreage Estimates

USDA’s Prospective Planting report from March projected 11.1 million acres of corn to be planted in Illinois this year. However, the recent 2025 FBN Acreage Report highlighted a slight reduction (2.5-5%) in corn acreage due to persistent wet weather and challenging planting conditions.

Krieg explained, “Southern Illinois is in recovery mode,” referring to the efforts required to get crops back on track after a particularly wet spring.

Emergence Progress

By June 22, 95% of Illinois corn had emerged, which falls 2% short of the five-year average. In southern Illinois, growers are still planting or replanting, particularly where nitrogen or herbicides were previously applied.

Silking Progress

Reports from Gentle indicate that tasseling in early-planted fields is well underway. “There should be plenty of tassels by the Fourth of July,” he noted.

Corn Condition

The USDA rated corn condition in Illinois as follows: 3% very poor, 5% poor, 18% fair, 57% good, and 17% excellent. These figures align closely with national averages for the same period, ensuring positive crop outlooks in most areas.

Soybean Analysis

Acreage Estimates

For soybeans, the USDA’s March report indicated an intended planting of 10.5 million acres. The latest reports show a slight uptick (2.5-5%) in soybean acreage, particularly in regions of southern Illinois where corn acreage has decreased.

Planting and Emergence Progress

As of now, 95% of soybeans have been planted, which is slightly below the five-year average. Emergence rates stand at 90%, also 3 percentage points behind the norm.

Blooming Progress

Blooming has officially started, with 2% of the soybean crop reaching that stage, in line with the five-year average.

Soybean Condition

Illinois soybeans were rated as follows: 4% very poor, 7% poor, 28% fair, 46% good, and 15% excellent, presenting a mixed outlook compared to national averages.

Winter Wheat Update

Harvest Progress

According to USDA, 100% of Illinois winter wheat has reached the heading growth stage. However, the harvest is trailing behind the five-year average, with only 17% complete.

Winter Wheat Condition

Winter wheat condition was rated at 10% very poor, 6% poor, 23% fair, 48% good, and 13% excellent, showcasing a need for further monitoring as harvest progresses.

Pasture and Range Conditions

Finally, pasture and range conditions in Illinois were rated at 1% very poor, 9% poor, 26% fair, 40% good, and 24% excellent. These ratings suggest a generally healthy grazing environment as summer advances.

As farmers continue to adapt to changing weather patterns and crop conditions, the upcoming weeks will be critical for agricultural productivity in Illinois. Stakeholders remain optimistic, despite challenges, as the growing season unfolds.