Significant planting progress

SPRINGFIELD – Warmer weather allowed for significant gains in the planting progress during the past week in Illinois.

There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 6, 2018. Statewide, the average temperature was 66.3 degrees, 8.7 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.88 inches, 0.3 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 13 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent very short, 15 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 74 percent, compared to 65 percent last year and the 5-year average of 56 percent. Corn emerged was at 14 percent. Soybean planted was at 29 percent, compared to 14 percent last year and the 5-year average of 12 percent. Soybeans emerged was at 1 percent. Sorghum planted reached 4 percent, the same as last year.

Winter wheat headed reached 14 percent, compared to 76 percent last year and the 5-year average of 32 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated at 4 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 8 percent excellent.