JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL — The crop conditions have farmer’s cautiously optimistic heading into August and the latter part of the growing season. Corn was rated at 74% good to excellent while soybeans were up to 76% good to excellent overall.

Jefferson County Farm Bureau Board Member Jeff Kiselewski says the recent rain and cold front has helped this latest push of positivity.

Statewide, USDA’s weekly crop progress report released Monday showed more than double the normal amount of moisture fell — 1.89 inches, compared with the average of 0.75 inches.

Kiselewski says this upcoming warmer weather should help as long as we get that occasional rain too.

Kiselewski farms and owns livestock in Scheller.