Fieldwork continues to be delayed

SPRINGFIELD - Colder temperatures with light rain and patches of snow have delayed planting and fieldwork throughout much of the state, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon.

There were 0.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 8 in Illinois. The average temperature was 34.0 degrees, 13.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.77 inches, 0.07 inches above normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus.

Winter wheat headed reached 3 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated at 4 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.