Rain saves crops from recent heat

SPRINGFIELD - Although temperatures were above average, rain kept most crops in good condition according to the weekly crop progress report issued for Illinois Monday afternoon (July 25).

The high humidity and rain did hamper efforts to bale hay. Spraying for weeds, fungi and insects are the major field activities. Statewide, the average temperature was 80.1 degrees, 3.6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 2.06 inches, 1.02 inches above normal. There were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 27.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 90 percent, compared to 85 percent last year. Corn dough was at 18 percent, compared to 23 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 24 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming was at 76 percent, compared to 67 percent last year. Soybeans setting pods reached 33 percent. Soybean condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Oats harvested reached 51 percent, a jump of 14 percentage points from last week. Pasture and range condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 17 percent excellent.