Planting delayed; calving difficult

SPRINGFIELD – Continued rain throughout much of the state delayed corn planting and made spring calving difficult in some areas, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued this week.

There were 0.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 9. Statewide, the average temperature was 51.7 degrees, 4.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.52 inches, 0.81 inches above normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 4 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 26 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 5 percent. Winter Wheat headed reached 2 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Oats planted reached 36 percent. Pasture and range condition was rated at 3 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 18 percent excellent.