ROCKWOOD, IL (WSIL) -- Southern Illinois farmers are preparing for the 2025 planting season.
The University of Illinois Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics and the Ohio State University Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics projecting corn acreage at 11.1 million, an increase from 2024 in Illinois.
Experts predict more corn and less soybean acreage overall nationally. Farmers are closely monitoring prices and weather conditions. These factors may influence the amounts of corn and soybeans planted.
Southern Illinois has experienced significant rainfall. This has delayed planting for some farmers, most wrapping up late May.
Pollination in late July, early August is crucial for crop outcomes.Â
The cost of growing crops, alongside market prices, may heavily influences farmers' plans.
Ryan Essner, Grain Merchandiser with Viterra Grain explains corn prices had a better price spread than soybeans early in the year. This influences the decision to put anhydrous and nitrogen early on corn crops in states including Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska.
"When beans were $10, give or take, and corn was.. it got up to $4.80 back in February, the price told them to plant corn vs beans," said Essner. "It was going to affect their bottom line better to plant the corn at the time."
Local agricultural experts say the next few weeks are crucial for farmers in the region. Weather and yield outcomes based on these factors will shape the agricultural landscape in 2025.
