Harvest nears completion

SPRINGFIELD - Corn and soybean harvesting is nearing completion across the state, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon.

Statewide, the average temperature was 59.8 degrees, 7.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.76 inches, 0.04 inches above normal. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 23.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 5 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Corn harvest was 83 percent complete, compared to 91 percent last year. Soybean harvest was 76 percent complete, compared to 77 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat planted reached 68 percent, compared to 78 percent last year. Winter wheat emerged was at 38 percent, compared to 34 percent for the 5-year average.

Pasture and range condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.