March was mostly warmer and drier than normal in much of Illinois.
The USDA says that prior to the late month rainfall and shift to cooler temperatures, those generally warm, dry conditions lowered soil moisture levels ahead of widespread spring planting.
The winter wheat rating did improve despite that weather, with 75% of the crop called good to excellent, compared to 66% at the end of February.
The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume next Monday.
