As the calendar entered mid-August, Illinois growers continued to see increased damage done from excess precipitation from the prior two months, as more than half of the state’s soybean crop was rated fair or worse.

It was slightly better for corn growers, but not by much; about 56 percent of the crop was rated as good or excellent as of Aug. 10, according to the latest NASS weekly crop progress report.

Toward the end of the week, a bit of positive news for growers was delivered: The USDA announced that it was granting the state’s request to declare most Illinois counties as natural disaster areas because of weather damage to crops. The move automatically made growers in 86 of the state’s 102 counties eligible for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

"Our hearts go out to those Illinois farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities through these difficult times.

"We’re also telling Illinois producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood."

The declaration also means growers with damage in contiguous counties declared as disaster areas are eligible for low-interest loans. Only Lake County, in northern Illinois, is ineligible.

Farmers have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

For the week leading to Aug. 10, the state recorded an average of 0.85 inch of rain, below normal a bit for the same time period, while temperatures moderated to 73.8 degrees, which also is normal for the time period, according to NASS.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 88 percent adequate or surplus, while subsoil moisture supply was rated at 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus.