Farmers Hoping To Rebound

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (IRN) -- Midwestern farmers are hoping to rebound from floods and a late start to planting, according to the USDA's August Crop Production Report.

Illinois corn production is forecast at just over 2 billion bushels, down 11 percent from last year. That's 172 bushels per acre, down three bushels from last year.

Soybeans are projected to reach 376 million bushels, 7 percent above last year. That's 42 bushels per acre, down one bushel from last year.

Nationally, corn is forecast at 12.3 billion bushels, down 6 percent from last year. That's 155 bushels per acre, up four bushels. Soybean production is expected up 15 percent to almost 3 billion bushels, or 40 bushels per acre.

Illinois' acting agriculture director, Tom Jennings, says while parts of Northwest and Southeast Illinois suffered from the floods, the state as a whole "dodged a bullet." Jennings says his own corn crop went into the ground June 16, the latest ever for him.

Print Page

Email This Page

Featured Audio

The Bears Report: Tom Thayer
WBBM Game Day Analyst Tom Thayer, with our Josh Liss, sizes up Sunday's matchup vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Gardening Tips For Nov. 7, 2009
Tips on maintaining your garden, plants and flowers year-round.

President Obama's Weekly Address
President Obama honors the heroism of those at Fort Hood by paying tribute to those who were killed, those who were wounded and those who extended a helping hand.

Republican Response to Weekly Address
In the Weekly Republican Address, Governor Haley Barbour (R-MS) reflects on this week's elections in New Jersey and Virginia, and discusses why he thinks independents showed overwhelming support for the Republican Party.

Oprah Winfrey moving her show from Chicago?
Veteran Entertainment Journalist and LA Weekly Hollywood, Nikki Finke joins Kris and Sherman during the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the possibility of Oprah Winfrey moving her show from Chicago to Los Angles.