Weekly report finally shows progress

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois experienced patches of rain, snow and cooler temperatures as limited planting and field work continued in the latest crop progress and weather report released by USDA-NASS.

There were 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 22, 2018. Statewide, the average temperature was 43.8 degrees, 10.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.13 inches, 0.82 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 4 percent, compared to 30 percent last year and the 5-year average of 20 percent. Winter wheat headed reached 4 percent, compared to 24 percent last year and the 5-year average of 6 percent.

Winter wheat condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.