What’s Going on With Illinois Corn and Soybean Harvests?

Illinois is nearly done with its corn and soybean harvests, according to the most recent USDA Crop Progress report released Nov. 12. While soybean harvesting is slightly ahead of five-year averages, corn is well ahead of schedule. 

The Land of Lincoln is also nearly done planting its winter wheat crop. 

Corn Harvest and Yield

Illinois is 97% complete with its corn crop harvest as of Nov. 10, USDA said. This mark is 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. According to data reported in June’s USDA Acreage Report, Illinois has 322,500 acres left to be harvested. 

With harvest almost over in corn, Illinois-based Agronomy Service Representative Phil Krieg said tar spot has been a noticeable issue in the state through the growing season, and impacted final yields in non-fungicide areas as a result.

He said corn yields are “average to above average” this year in the state at around 180 to 225 bushels per acre (bpa). Fellow Illinois-based Agronomy Service Representative Ryan Gentle said some areas of Illinois were setting farm records with high yields.

Weather-wise, Krieg said harvest was slowed down due to wet weather conditions.

“Heavy rains set in on Sunday November 3rd and continued through late Tuesday,” Krieg said. Across the heaviest bands of rain 6 to 8 inches of rain was common. Harvest completion is at a standstill. The northern and eastern side of Illinois received 2 to 3 inches.”

Soybean Harvest and Yield

Illinois has also completed 97% of its soybean harvest as of Nov. 10, per the latest Crop Progress report. This is slightly ahead of previous years, as the five-year average for the week of Nov. 10 is 93% complete. According to data from the June Acreage Report, this means Illinois has 319,500 acres of soybeans left to harvest. 

Yields for soybeans have been variable depending on the area, according to Krieg and Gentle. In some areas, Krieg said, yields were down at 40 to 60 bpa. Gentle said what time the soybeans were planted made a difference — April planted soybeans were in the 80 to 90 bpa range, while beans planted in May dropped to the 60 to 70 bpa range. 

Krieg said one of the lessons learned this season with soybeans is the need for better weed control programs. 

Winter Wheat Condition

Winter wheat planting is 96% complete, USDA said Nov. 10. This mark is right in line with where the state was in 2023. Winter wheat emergence is at 83%, 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. 

Illinois’ winter wheat crop is in good shape, the latest Crop Progress report said. USDA rated the crop 1% very poor, 2% poor, 23% average, 70% good, and 4% excellent condition — the second-highest rating in the top 18 wheat growing states behind California (90% good/excellent).