More than half of Illinois crops rated good or worse

Persistent dry conditions are eroding Illinois crop conditions.

The USDA reports as of Sunday the corn crop is rated 48 percent good to excellent, and soybeans are rated 47 percent.  Corn and soybean emergence is ahead of last year and the five-year average.

The USDA says 73 percent of Illinois topsoil moisture is in short to very short supply. 

Winter wheat condition declined to 53 percent good to excellent. 

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