A warm, dry January led to changes for soil moisture levels in Illinois.

The USDA says precipitation averaged just under an inch statewide, while the average temperature was five degrees warmer than normal.

Most of the state reports adequate soil moisture and while surplus soil moisture levels decreased, the percentage of Illinois reporting they are short of soil moisture increased.

The USDA will be issuing 2021 acreage estimates in February at the Ag Outlook Forum, with the prospective planting numbers out at the end of March.

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