Area farmers are putting in some long hours as they continue to harvest this year’s corn and soybean crops. And, so far, the harvest is looking good. Steve Fourez owns a farm in southwestern Vermilion County….
{‘’Beans are running about 70 bushels to the acre – somewhere in that neighborhood. Corn – 240 bushels. So, after last year that’s really good,’’ said Fourez.} Last year farmers were delayed getting their crops in the ground because of a very wet spring.
Although recent weather conditions have allowed farmers to get crops out of the fields, Fourez notes the COVID-19 pandemic is causing some concerns….
{‘’I’m a grain farmer, but if people aren’t going out to eat in restaurants and aren’t eating beef and pork like they had been – then there isn’t anything out there to eat the grain that I’m raising.}
As the harvest continues to advance, farmers – including Fourez – have been keeping an eye on the markets….
{‘’I have been very pleasantly surprised,’’ said Fourez. ‘’Six to eight weeks ago I wouldn’t have thought we’d had been anywhere near where we’re at as far as the corn and soybean market.}
About half of this year’s Illinois corn and soybean crops have been harvested, and about seventy-five percent of those crops are said to be in good to excellent condition.
As harvesting activities continue, motorists are reminded to be alert for the possibility of slow-moving farm equipment on area roads. Be especially careful during early morning and evening hours.
[Illinois Radio Network News supplied information for this story.]
