Rains improve Illinois crop conditions

USDA crop condition ratings in Illinois have improved for the first time in several weeks, thanks to recent rains.

The agency reports as of Sunday corn is rated 36% good to excellent, up from 26% the week before, and soybeans are rated 30% good to excellent, up from 25%. Winter wheat conditions also jumped from 70% to 77% good to excellent. Topsoil moisture supply is now considered 68% adequate to surplus.

Five percent of the corn crop is silking compared to the 13% five-year average.

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