Significant planting progress made

Producers were able to make significant progress planting corn over the past week.

According to the weekly crop and weather report for Illinois, there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 23. Statewide, the average temperature was 58.5 degrees, 3.4 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.43 inches, 0.48 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 6 percent short, 86 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 7 percent short, 87 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 34 percent, compared to 38 percent last year and the 5-year average of 28 percent. Corn emerged was at 5 percent, compared to 4 percent last year and the 5-year average of 6 percent.

Soybeans planted was at 4 percent, compared to both the previous year and 5-year average of 2 percent. Winter Wheat headed reached 28 percent.

Winter wheat condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 16 percent excellent. Oats planted reached 82 percent. Pasture and range condition was rated at 2 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 21 percent excellent.