2023 planting is nearly done with most farmers in the area finished planting. The dry April weather has allowed spring planting to progress quickly. The cool temperatures for the second half of April has slowed emergence and plant growth of plants that have emerged.

Planted on April 12th. Population of around 70,000 plants per acre, with many still trying to push through. We need a rain!

Planted April 18th and 19th. A few spikes can be seen coming through soil cracks. Soil is crusted, but corn remains ok beneath the sealed in soil. Dad is starting worry. We need rain!

Significant progress in planting both corn and soybeans has happened over the last 10 days. Some growers are nearing completion already! Planting conditions for corn have been relatively good, soybeans that went in early are struggling to emerge. The soil is tight and we need a rain shower to bring them the rest of the way

Wheat stands in south-central Illinois look good overall. There is some unevenness in plant heights visible across fields, which is fairly normal for the relatively flatter fields in that area, for this stage of wheat growth, and for this time of year. But the stands look good in general. Most fields I walked through or observed from the road are at or near boot stage with some in the early heading stages. Farmers are also making progress with spring planting, although very little has emerged due to the cool temperatures over the past few weeks. Also, with somewhat wetter conditions relative to much of the rest of the state, field operations have not taken place in many low-lying and/or poorly drained fields. With a rainy week ahead, some of those fields may remain unplanted for a bit longer.

All crops are planted. Corn growth stages vary from emerging to almost V3 with third leaf almost fully developed. Soybean are similar varying between just breaking through the ground to first trifoliate.