Illinois Ag News Headlines Warmer Weather, Rain Helping Illinois Crop Development Illinois Ag Connection - 08/18/2009 Much needed rain fell this past weekend, while warmer weather earlier last week aided in crop development, reports the Illinois field office of USDA's National Ag Statistics Service. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork reported. Mowing, scouting, spraying and visiting the State Fair were included in last week's farm activities. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 20 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus. Corn is 96 percent silked compared to 99 percent last year. Corn in the dough stage is at 46 percent, still 17 percentage points behind last year. Corn was rated 62 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 58 percent setting pods, compared to 68 percent in 2008 and 87 percent for the five-year average. Soybeans were rated 60 percent good to excellent. Temperatures statewide averaged 74.5 degrees, 0.8 degree above average. Statewide precipitation averaged 0.33 inches, 0.58 inch below average. More from this state at: Illinois Ag Connection Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.