A late planting season back in the spring, thanks to non-stop rain, forced many to plant, then replant (and some even gave it a third try) corn and beans in Illinois’ soil. As the second biggest corn-producing state, this is a tough break back home, and some say it’s worse in Iowa (number one in corn production in the U.S.).
According to Illinois Corn, as of October 11th only 6 percent of Illinois' corn had been harvested, and some crops may still be awaiting harvest in December! Wow. This may require farms to invest, or at least look into crop insurance for spring-planted crops.
One thing is for sure, this summer was one of the coolest months ever experienced in the Land of Lincoln (July was the coldest its been since 1896), which hints that a VERY cold winter may be in store. This lessons crop survival, especially if it isn’t harvested by December.