Area Farming UpdateWhat's happening on the farm
A major part of the greenhouse season is now complete with Easter, Mother’s Day, and spring gardening plantings complete. The opening of the state had significant impact on sales during the season with the wholesale and retail market strong.
Farmers’ markets and farm stands are gearing up for summer vegetable sales. Farmers are expecting strong support with public interest and demand in locally produced fruit and vegetables remaining high.
April and May soil conditions were favorable for some area farmers to plant corn, soybeans, and vegetable crops.
June brought “precipitation deficits” for many parts of northern Illinois including the northeast portion of the state.
First cutting of hay for livestock feed has wrapped up. Yields are reported to be “average”. Winter wheat is maturing, and harvest is anticipated for early July. Straw harvest baling to commence immediately following.
Large round hay bales are popping up at various places around Cook County as farmers harvest the hay to feed horses, cattle, sheep, and goats and to market to others. This photo was sent to us by Kopping Farms in the Lemont area.