Planting progress still lags

SPRINGFIELD – There were 0.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 12, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon for Illinois.

USDA-NASS reports the average statewide temperature last week was 56.0 degrees, 4.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.08 inches, 0.05 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 23 percent adequate and 77 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 30 percent adequate and 70 percent surplus.

Corn planted was at 11 percent, compared to 88 percent last year and the 5-year average of 82 percent. Corn emerged was at 4 percent. Soybeans planted was at 3 percent, compared to 61 percent last year and the 5-year average of 34 percent.

Winter wheat headed reached 35 percent, compared to 43 percent last year and the 5- year average of 53 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated at 8 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 3 percent excellent.