Tuesday's rain was most welcome to farmers hoping for much-needed moisture to boost the crops. The USDA reports the corn and soybeans appear to be thriving.  Leading into this last weekend, central and eastern  parts of the state had been dry, and southern Illinois even had moderate drought. The remnants of Hurricane Beryl have provided a good soaking.

There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 7, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 73.2 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.18 inches, 0.28 inches above normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 32 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 39 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 16 percent. Corn dough reached 1 percent. Corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 43 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 24 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 9 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested for grain reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent.

94.1 WGFA