Crops in Illinois continue to look good as August begins.

USDA reporters say the state’s corn is rated 59% good and 17% excellent, with 96% of corn silking, 43% in the dough stage, and 1% already dented.  Seventy-six percent of the soybeans are either good or excellent, with 52% of the beans setting pods.

Illinois farmers are continuing to make hay, with 26% of third crop hay finished, and more than 90% of second crop now stored.  Pastures are rated 44% fair, 29% good, and only 8% excellent.

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