SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — While 2020 has been a year of unexpected twists and turns, many farmers are pleased with the crop progress as we head into the dog days of summer.

As of July 5, 61 percent of Illinois’ corn crop is rated in good or excellent condition compared to 37 percent last year. The state’s soybean crop is also faring much better than 2019, with 63 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition compared to 38 percent at this time last year.

Marisa Davis with the Saline / Gallatin County Farm Bureau says there are some signs residents can watch and listen for to witness the crops progressing.

Davis says if anything, the fields could use some cooler nights to make the crop quality even better.