Ill. corn crops continue to improve

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois' corn crop continues to improve as growers are welcoming drier weather to help them rebound from a soggy spring that slowed their plantings.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Illinois corn plants across the state are averaging 29 inches. That's 4 inches shorter than this time last year and well shy of the 50-inch average over the past five years.

The USDA says Illinois soybeans are 88 percent emerged. That's also down 8 percent from last year and 11 percent over the past five years.

Warm, drier conditions appear to be helping the cause. The USDA says above-average temperatures across the state helped jump-start crop development during the past week.