Harvest starts throughout Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 2, according to the weekly crop progress report for Illinois issued by USDA-NASS.

Statewide, the average temperature was 76.4 degrees, 3.5 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.54 inches, 0.73 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 4 percent very short, 17 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 5 percent very short, 23 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn dented reached 90 percent, compared to 65 percent last year. Corn mature reached 36 percent, 22 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Corn harvested was at 1 percent. Corn condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 30 percent excellent.

Soybeans coloring reached 49 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 17 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves was at 16 percent, compared to 3 percent last year. Soybean condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 28 percent excellent. Sorghum headed reached 96 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 94 percent.

Sorghum coloring reached 81 percent, compared to 79 percent last year. Sorghum mature reached 36 percent, compared to 28 percent last year. Sorghum condition was rated at 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 17 percent excellent.