Drought Conditions Endangering Illinois Soybean And Corn Crops

Jun 22, 2023

By Kevin Bessler

(The Center Square) – As the Illinois drought continues into the summer, Illinois farmers are reporting that corn and soybean crops are feeling the effects.

Abnormally dry conditions not only expanded during the third week of June, but with the latest round of hot conditions, they also intensified. According to the latest Drought Monitor, nearly the entire state was rated abnormally dry to in drought.

"The drought across the area continues to worsen, with portions of our area now in the 'Severe' category," the National Weather Service in Chicago said in an update. "Much of our area has seen less than 25% of the normal rainfall in the past 30 days, and the long-range forecasts do not look favorable widespread, soaking rain."

United State Department of Agriculture Illinois State Statistician Mark Schleusener said corn and soybean crops have deteriorated.

In the latest USDA Illinois crop progress and condition report, 18% of soybeans were considered very poor to poor, while 20% of the corn crop was considered very poor to poor.

Click here to see more...

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.