Today's Illinois Crop Progress and Planting Report released from the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Services indicates that 78% of corn acreage is now planted in Illinois, a testament to the larger machinery, enhanced technology, and improved efficiencies of today's family farmers. Anecdotally, most in the corn industry believe a third of the corn crop can go in during a week's time with good weather conditions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Illinois Field Office report can be found here.

Key points from the report:

• Illinois corn acres are now 78% planted, compared to 43% last week and 16% last year at this same time.
• There were 5 days suitable for field work last week.
The West Southwest district has the most corn planted (92%) with the Southeast having the fewest acres planted (60%).