With the shadow of last year’s drought looming over Illinois farmers, DeKalb and other corn-growing areas hope for a wetter growing season.

According to Lyle Paul, agronomist with the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, the center recorded a 14-inch deficit last year. This year, the center has recorded just over 7 inches, versus the average of 8.6 inches. The measurements vary for other parts of the state.

“If we get back to enough rain though, we don’t have to get back to average,” Paul said.

Mike Hardt, assistant manager of the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, said the timing of the precipitation is the key to a good yield.

“The time you get the rain is critical. March to May is when you need the rain,” Hardt said.

Despite all the winter precipitation DeKalb received, it is not ideal to receive moisture during cold seasons.

“Ten inches of snow is equal to one inch of rain, and if the ground is frozen, it won’t go down into the soil,” Hardt said.

The subsoil moisture is critical for plant growth.

“We depend on subsoil moisture for hotter times in the summer. Right now there is hardly any corn, so there is not a lot of moisture needed. The bigger the plants, the more moisture required,” Paul said.

Even after getting crops planted, there is concern about crop growth.

“The concern isn’t getting the crops started, but keeping them growing later,” he said.

According to Robert Scott with the Illinois State Water Survey, DeKalb is still dry in the deepest soil layer, but the moisture in the top layers is coming. Measurements from April 15 showed 68 percent of the normal amount in the top 6 inches.

Chances of rain in the future are unclear so far. According to NIU Staff Meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste, there is no strong indication of rain this summer.

“We are expecting more rain this summer, but we aren’t sure if the rain is going to be enough to get out of the drought,” Sebenste said.