DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — As fields stretch tall and green across the region, Central Illinois farmers have found themselves cautiously optimistic about the 2025 growing season.
David Brown, a local farmer, said things are looking “pretty typical” for mid-summer, and in some areas, even better than that. He spent a few days driving around the region checking out fields.
“I have to say, things look exceptionally well,” Brown told WAND News. “You go to Effingham County, you go to Shelby County, Christian County, it looks great down there as well. So I think we’re on target for a good crop this year. It’s going to depend upon July and August rains.”
Brown pointed to the importance of rainfall. The summer started dry, but the recent rains only helped his fields.
With fields maturing quickly, Brown said farmers will soon turn their attention to disease prevention.
“You’re going to be hearing the crop dusters going over the fields,” he said. “They’re spraying fungicide to protect against diseases."
One of those fungi Brown has watched for is "black tar spot."
As farmers push through summer, their next goal is harvest. Brown said he will start preparing for it after the Farm Progress Show at the end of August. Current market conditions could cast a shadow over what should be a hopeful time.
“There’s a little bit of pessimism in regards to prices right now,” Brown said. “It’s going to take anywhere from 240 to 260 bushels of corn to break even, based on fall prices. Beans are the same way.”
While trade updates and tariffs remain in limbo, Brown said the market has remained "flat" for recent months, and many are watching and waiting.
Until then, it is a waiting game, one that hinges on the skies above and the global economy. For now, local farmers, like Brown, will lean into their optimism and hope the rest of the summer brings just enough rain to keep things on track.
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