Illinois farmers optimistic about corn, soybeans

BLOOMINGTON — Crop experts and farmers think Illinois' corn and soybean crops could turn out just fine this year in spite of a wet and sometimes cool growing season.

University of Illinois crop scientist Emerson Nafziger told The Pantagraph in Bloomington that warm weather this week should help. He says more similar weeks in July as corn is pollinating should set the crop up for a strong harvest.

Nafziger is optimistic about the soybean crop, too.

David Schneman farms near Farmer City and Mansfield in central Illinois. Rain slowed his planting but his crops look good so far.

Illinois is the country's No. 2 producer of both corn and soybeans. Iowa is the top producer of both crops.