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Although parts of Chicago received over 8 inches of rain
recently, many parts of Illinois were left out. Drought
conditions persist as June is expected to be one of the 10
driest months in the state’s history. The state climatologist
office said Illinois is down about 10 inches of rain compared to
normal years.
The recent rains around the state helped, but farmers could use
more in the coming weeks during the critical reproductive stages
of corn and soybeans.
Cody Book, a farmer in Harvard, told WTVO TV that during a
stressful time for corn and soybeans, it's best to stay out of
the fields, especially when it's hot.
“Just because they're tolerant to it doesn’t mean they’re not
metabolizing it, and that takes energy and you don’t want to
take any energy they have to give,” Book said.
According to the latest Crop Progress and Condition Report from
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, corn and soybeans actually
improved.
The condition of corn was rated as good by 32% of respondents on
July 2, compared to only 21% on June 25. Soybeans were rated 27%
good on July 2 compared to 20% on June 25.
The derecho that blew through Illinois recently brought rain,
but also flattened corn crops in central Illinois. Wind damage
reports from the derecho stretched more than 500 miles.
Chad Bell, who farms near Viola, told WQAD TV that it pays to be
prepared for the unexpected.
“We do have crop insurance that we can take the insurance claim
on,” Bell said. “That won’t make us whole but that also puts
money in our pocket to hopefully continue on for next year.”
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