Crop yields encouraging during Illinois harvest season

(The Center Square) – Illinois farmers are in the heart of harvest season and from all indications, crop yields will be favorable.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, about a third of the corn crop has been harvested in Illinois, which is in line with the 5-year average. The soybean crop harvest is ahead of schedule with just over 40% harvested. That is compared to the 5-year average of 28%.

Eric Beckett with Illini FS told the Illinois Soybean Association that some corn yields may be affected from less than ideal spring weather.

“I’ve seen some corn that has probably been off by as much as 30 bushels because of stressors,” said Beckett. “Beans are starting to come out, and I think especially with the rain we had and the dry weather, we will start to see a lot. Probably be gangbusters, if you want to say.”

The USDA predicts corn production will be down 1% from last year, but soybean growers are expected to increase production as much as 10%.

In 2022, commodity prices spiked. Corn futures peaked at more than $8 per bushel, and soybeans climbed to nearly $18 per bushel, but those figures have come down to earth. Corn is trading at around $4 per bushel and soybeans are under $11 per bushel.

According to the Illinois Department of Agriculture, agricultural products generate more than $51 billion annually with 40% of the total coming from crop production alone.

Illinois is the top producer of soybeans in the county, and the No. 2 producer of corn.