Crops lagging in report

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 8, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 68.8 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.46 inches, 0.16 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 10 percent very short, 22 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 9 percent very short, 22 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus.

Corn dough was at 88 percent. Corn dented was at 53 percent, compared to 95 percent last year and 87 percent for the 5-year average. Corn mature was at 8 percent. Corn condition was 6 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 41 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods was at 90 percent. Soybean coloring was at 3 percent, compared to 71 percent last year and 46 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition was 6 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 36 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.