Topsoil moisture condition ratings improved a bit statewide from 44% short to very short as of July 5 to 32% short to very short on July 11. Recent rain events were “beneficial and absolutely critical” in some areas, according to Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford. “It’s not the time of year we like to go dry.” Ford discusses the weather outlook for the growing season with Daniel Grant.  

Illinois Farm Bureau Senior Economist Mike Doherty discusses the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), which rose 1.3%, seasonally adjusted, in June. Over the last 12 months, it rose 9.1%, not seasonally adjusted. “It’s really a surprise how much food prices have increased,” he said. “This is really going to hurt.” Listen to his full interview with DeLoss Jahnke.

Two weeks. Two USDA reports. Two huge market dives. DeLoss Jahnke, Curt Strubhar of Advance Trading and Matt Bennett of AgMarket.Net weigh in on recent moves in the corn, soybean and wheat markets following USDA’s acreage and quarterly grain stocks reports and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

TODAY’S TOP STORY All 102 Illinois counties will be eligible for federal insurance on double-cropped soybeans, USDA has announced, setting the stage for what could be an explosive 2023 growing season. “The Biden administration and USDA will continue to find ways to ease burdens on American farmers and lower costs for American families such as expanded double crop options through crop insurance,” Vilsack said.    

MORE TOP HEADLINES   Got transportation-related questions? We have answers. Illinois Farm Bureau has launched a new video series to provide answers to frequently asked questions. Find out how to watch them. Congratulations to Union County, one of 10 county Farm Bureaus nationwide to receive an American Farm Bureau Foundation grant. Read more.

A crop update from McLean County How are crops looking in central Illinois? We check in with Dave Mool, a FarmWeek CropWatcher who farms near Lexington. Listen to his interview with RFD Radio Network.