December was warm and slightly wetter than normal for much of Illinois.

The USDA says the average statewide temperature was nearly 10 degrees above normal, with fractionally more rainfall than the usual year.

That has helped soil moisture levels improve, but parts of the state are reporting a surplus, especially southeastern portions of Illinois.

75% of winter wheat is in good to excellent shape, down 4% from the previous report, with 10% in poor to very poor condition, up 6%.

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