Planting progress jumps in report

SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 51.8 degrees, 3.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.76 inches, 0.86 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 37 percent compared to the previous year at 7 percent and the 5-year average of 31 percent. Corn emerged reached 1 percent compared to the 5-year average of 4 percent. Soybeans planted reached 18 percent compared to the previous year at 2 and the 5-year average of 4 percent.

Winter wheat headed was at 6 percent compared to the 5-year average of 13 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 14 percent excellent.