Corn harvest continues, beans begin

There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 16, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued Monday afternoon.

Statewide, the average temperature was 71.0 degrees, 3.3 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.01 inches, 0.75 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent very short, 10 percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent very short, 15 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Corn mature reached 75 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 47 percent. Corn harvested was at 12 percent. Corn condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 31 percent excellent.

Soybeans coloring reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 62 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves was at 58 percent, compared to 29 percent last year. Soybean harvest was 4 percent complete. Soybean condition was rated at 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 30 percent excellent.

Sorghum coloring reached 90 percent, compared to 88 percent last year. Sorghum mature reached 67 percent, compared to 55 percent last year. Sorghum condition was rated at 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.