Illinois Corn Harvest Awful, Beans Just Bad

USDA Crop Statistician David Ward reported Monday that 87 percent of Illinois' corn crop has been harvested already and 69 percent of soybeans are in.  The harvest's ahead of this time last year, he said, but thanks to heat and drought this Summer, it's producing less grain.

According to the October production report, the corn for grain yield in Illinois is estimated at 38 percent less than last year’s crop. The forecast yield for soybeans in the state is estimated down 19 percent from last year.  Nationally, corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, down 13 percent from 2011, the lowest production in the United States in six years.

A Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey Monday showed food prices basically steady for the third quarter of the year, though.  Spokesman  Casey Langan said this Summer's drought probably won't show up in food prices at the register until next year.