Corn Matures Quickly Across Illinois As Harvest Begins 

DEKALB – Illinois corn is 94% dented and 69% mature as of Sept. 20, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Corn dented is up from 88% a week earlier and above the five year average of 92%, while corn maturity increased from 50% last week and is ahead of the five year average of 63%. About 16% of the Illinois corn crop has been harvested, compared with 8% a week earlier and the five year average of 9%. Illinois soybeans are 67% dropping leaves, up from 46% a week earlier and slightly above the five year average of 65%. Soybean harvest is at 13%, compared with 4% a week earlier and the five year average of 5%. Illinois corn was rated 5% very poor, 9% poor, 29% fair, 43% good and 14% excellent, while soybeans were rated 5% very poor, 8% poor, 30% fair, 44% good and 13% excellent.