Harvest draws to a close

The 2016 harvest season is rapidly drawing to a close, with many producers switching to fall tillage and waiting for the ground to cool for NH3 applications.

The weekly crop progress report for Illinois issued Monday showed the average statewide temperature was 58.3 degrees last week, 10.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.64 inches, 0.31 inches below normal. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 6.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 86 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.

Corn harvest was 94 percent complete, compared to 99 percent last year. Soybean harvest was 95 percent complete, compared to 95 percent for the 5- year average.

Winter wheat planted reached 93 percent, compared to 94 percent last year. Winter wheat emerged was at 78 percent, compared to 81 percent last year. Winter wheat condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Pasture and range condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.