Home stretch for harvest

SPRINGFIELD - There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 10, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois Tuesday afternoon.

Statewide, the average temperature last week was 37.4 degrees, 7.0 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.16 inches, 0.58 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 6 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 22 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain was at 71 percent, compared to 96 percent last year and 93 percent for the 5- year average. Soybean harvest was 87 percent complete, compared to 94 percent last year and 95 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat planted was at 93 percent, compared to 89 percent last year and 92 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat emerged was at 75 percent.

This week’s crop progress report was released a day late by USDA-NASS due to the Veteran’s Day federal holiday on Monday.