Finally some decent progress

SPRINGFIELD – Producers were able to make significant progress planting corn and have started planting soybeans over the past week, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued on Monday.

There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 29, 2018. Statewide, the average temperature was 53.3 degrees, 3.0 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.32 inches, 0.54 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent very short, 11 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 32 percent, compared to 59 percent last year and the 5-year average of 40 percent. Soybeans planted was at 7 percent, 5 percentage points behind last year but 2 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average.

Winter wheat headed reached 5 percent, compared to 61 percent last year and the 5-year average of 18 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated at 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.