Cool temps, plenty of progress

SPRINGFIELD - There were 3.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 17, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 49.8 degrees, 10 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.77 inches, 0.19 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 50 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 1 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 37 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 83 percent compared to the previous year at 20 percent and the 5-year average of 75 percent. Corn emerged reached 43 percent compared to the previous year at 9 percent and the 5-year average of 56 percent. Soybeans planted reached 59 percent compared to the previous year at 7 percent and the 5-year average of 40 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 21 percent compared to the previous year at 1 percent and the 5-year average of 16 percent.

Winter wheat headed was at 67 percent compared to the previous year at 56 and the 5-year average of 72 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 46 percent good, and 17 percent excellent.