Only 8 percent of Illinois corn has matured, according to USDA’s Crop Progress Report released Monday. Jackson County farmer Eric Shields said there are a “few guys in the area starting corn harvest.” Given the late planted crops and excessive summer heat, some farmers hope rain can push crops to the finish line. “The biggest factor is lots of holes in the field right now from the wet planting season. We can have some pretty good soybeans, but you take a few holes and that really knocks yield out pretty quick. So, we just have to see when we get into it.” (FarmWeekNow)