Crops slowly starting to mature

SPRINGFIELD – There were five days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 1, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 69.7 degrees, 3.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.24 inches, 0.41 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 8 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 8 percent very short, 20 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn dough was at 82 percent. Corn dented was at 46 percent, compared to 89 percent last year and 76 percent for the 5-year average. Corn mature was at 2 percent. Corn condition was 4 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming were at 95 percent. Soybeans setting pods was at 84 percent. Soybean condition was 4 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.