Corn silking reaches almost 60 percent

SPRINGFIELD - There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 28, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 73.3 degrees, 2.0 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.42 inches, 0.45 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 6 percent very short, 34 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent very short, 23 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Corn silking was at 59 percent, compared to 100 percent last year and 94 percent for the 5-year average. Corn dough was at 16 percent. Corn condition was 4 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 35 percent good, and 9 percent excellent. Soybeans blooming was at 52 percent, compared to 91 percent last year and 83 percent for the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods was at 14 percent. Soybean condition was 6 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 36 percent good, and 8 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested was 98 percent complete.