Illinois harvest rolls on

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 27, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 49.9 degrees, 2.4 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 2.27 inches, 1.68 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent very short, 9 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Corn mature was at 93 percent. Corn harvested for grain was at 54 percent, compared to 88 percent last year and 80 percent for the 5-year average. Corn condition was 4 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 8 percent excellent.

Soybean dropping leaves was at 96 percent. Soybean harvest was 69 percent complete, compared to 84 percent last year and 82 percent for the 5-year average. Soybean condition was 5 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 37 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted was at 75 percent, compared to 71 percent last year and 71 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat emerged was at 47 percent. Winter wheat condition was 7 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 4 percent excellent.