Illinois farmers lost a lot of money last year when crops were unable to withstand the drought and high temperatures.

But Illinois has had plenty of rain this year. In fact it has had the wettest six months of the year on record.

According to John Hawkins of the Illinois Farm Bureau, rain has delayed planting.

“Normally by the 4th of July we’re just entering the pollination stage for corn. That’s the critical stage to developing the crop. Last year at this time we had half the crop pollinated. This year we’re nowhere near there. We have less than 1 percent entering pollination stage. It will probably be the middle of July when we get to that critical stage.”

Hawkins isn’t worried though. With lots of rain and mild temperatures, he expects a great yield for corn.

“You couldn’t ask for better conditions across illinois,” he said.

Soybean crops are also benefiting from the increased moisture, Hawkins said, but the true weather test will come in August.

Hawkins said soybeans do much better in warmer temperatures.

Mariam Sobh is the midday and weekend news anchor at WBEZ. Follow her @mariamsobh.