Dry conditions in weekly report

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork in Illinois during the week ending August 4, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 73.1 degrees, 1.0 degree below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.36 inches, 0.44 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 13 percent very short, 44 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 5 percent very short, 35 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn silking was at 81 percent. Corn dough was at 29 percent, compared to 79 percent last year and 58 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition was 5 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 35 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming was at 72 percent, compared to 95 percent last year and 90 percent for the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods was at 30 percent. Soybean condition was 6 percent very poor, 18 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.