Illinois harvest finishing after warmer, drier October

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Federal agriculture officials say the harvest is drawing to a close in Illinois.

The USDA's weekly crop report issued Monday says the corn and soybean harvests are 96 percent finished in Illinois. The sorghum harvest is 91 percent complete. The corn harvest is far ahead of last year at this time.

The report says that winter wheat planting is about 89 percent finished and rated in fair to excellent condition.

The harvest finishes after Illinois saw a warmer and drier October than average according to the state's climatologist with the Illinois State Water Survey. Statistics show October's statewide average temperature was 55.8 degrees, 1.7 degrees above average. Rainfall was 1.79 inches below average at a statewide average of 1.47 inches.

Data show an increased chance for a warmer November.