Finally progress to report

The weekly crop progress report issued Monday afternoon showed there were 2.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 28.

The average statewide temperature during this period was 54.9 degrees, 1.1 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.03 inches, 0.18 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 53 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 43 percent surplus.

Corn planted in Illinois reached 9 percent compared to 28 percent last year and 43 percent for the 5-year average. Soybeans planted reached 3 percent compared to 6 percent for last year and the 5-year average.

Winter wheat headed was 3 percent, compared to 5 percent last year and the 5-year average of 17 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 38 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.