Corn harvest only two percent complete

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork in Illinois during the week ending September 22, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon.

Statewide, the average temperature was 74.4 degrees, 10.2 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.80 inches, 0.04 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 11 percent very short, 22 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 8 percent very short, 23 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Corn dough was at 97 percent. Corn dented was at 77 percent. Corn mature was at 26 percent. Corn harvested for grain was at 2 percent, compared to 26 percent last year and 16 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition was 4 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods was at 96 percent. Soybean coloring was at 53 percent, compared to 92 percent last year and 83 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean dropping leaves was at 14 percent. Soybean condition was 4 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 36 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted was at 1 percent.