USDA rates Illinois corn and soybean crops

SPRINGFIELD -- With harvest getting under way, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says 64 percent of the Illinois corn crop and 61 percent of the soybean crop are rated in good to excellent condition.

The outlook report released Tuesday found 27 percent of the corn crop is in fair condition, and 9 percent poor or very poor. Meanwhile, 31 percent of the soybean crop was rated fair, and 8 percent poor to very poor.

The USDA's Springfield field office said that after weeks of cooler temperatures, a week of dry, warmer weather has promoted the maturing of corn and soybeans.

The survey found 1 percent of the corn and soybean crop has been harvested so far this year, compared to 7 percent and 2 percent respectively at this time last year.