Last week of April was a busy planting week in Northern Illinois. I would say locally we’re 70% planted on beans and 60% planted on corn. 20% of the crop planted in the area went in the week leading into Easter, mainly beans but the crops planted before Easter are starting to emerge now.

Planting has been in two distinct windows so far this spring. The week of April 14th before rain started on April 17th through Easter weekend and starting April 25th through today April 30th. Corn planting as of today is estimated around 70% with some no-till corn and some worked ground to be finished. Corn emergence estimated at 10-15% Soybeans planted estimated at 40% with 5% emerged.

The story in western and central Illinois seems to be a tale (once again) of two extremes. An abundance of progress in western Illinois row crops being planted (last week pushing 50-60% – this week much higher than that). Getting first trifoliates and thinking about second in some of the earliest planted fields (early being March planted and yes…. some February). Cut to the south east area, butting up towards Lake Shelbyville, and they finally were given a shot this week. Before that (end of last week), you would be lucky to say 10% in many areas. More rainfall as of mid-week, enough to have stalled any planting for a day or two. Cutworm concerns growing & wheat in the southern part of that area will be thinking about boot soon.

Rain again after 3 days of field work. Corn maybe 10% planted in our 10 counties. Soybeans planting less than that. A few March beans are in first trifoliate (V1).

Field work of all types is underway. The last 2 days of 30+mph wind has hampered spraying operations but spring tillage and planting operations are continuing.

Spring burndown continues for some when it’s not windy. Corn and soybean plantings are well underway. The race is on for some before the rain that’s expected Wednesday and Thursday.