MARENGO, Ill. — More rain later in the season benefited corn yields in northeast Illinois.

McHenry County farmer Kyle Dionne said most of the beans are out in his area and that there’s about 30% of corn completed.

Beans are average to a couple bushels above, he said, and some farmers are reporting 250-260 bushels per acre corn, which he attributes to more rain later in the season.

However, recent dry weather has resulted in three field fires in the area, he said.

On Oct. 6, northwest Illinois CropWatcher Drew DeSutter said several combine fires had occurred over the past few days.

“Anyone who’s experienced one knows that under the right conditions, they’re nearly impossible to prevent,” DeSutter said. “While they can build more machines, they can’t replace the people operating them —

See Full Page