Illinois Farmers Weather Challenging 2026 Corn Harvest

Near Carthage, Illinois, farmer Chris Harrell is navigating a challenging 2026 corn harvest. Downed corn and excessive rain have impacted roughly 30 acres of his crop, leaving yields 15 to 20 bushels lower than last year. The relentless rain throughout the growing season, particularly in June and August, has soaked fields and increased moisture content in the corn, further complicating the harvest.

Despite the difficulties with corn, soybeans are faring better. Harrell is about a quarter of the way through the bean harvest, with yields slightly above his five-year average. Rising input costs, including a surge in farm diesel prices from $2.60 to nearly $6, have added to the season's challenges. However, higher board prices for corn are providing some relief.

For Chris and his father, Dave Harrell, the strong market helps mitigate the tough season. Chris noted that he would prefer higher corn prices over additional bushels in yield. The family's perspective is grounded in decades of farming experience, with 95-year-old Lawrence Harrell, who has farmed for 80 years, describing 2026 as an average year.

Despite advancements in technology, Mother Nature remains the biggest variable farmers must manage. Lawrence Harrell's long career underscores the enduring challenges and resilience required in agriculture, as the family continues to adapt to changing weather patterns and market conditions.