Almost 40% of Illinois corn silking

There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending July 7, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois this week.

Statewide, the average temperature was 73.2 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.18 inches, 0.28 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 32 percent short, 60 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 39 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 16 percent. Corn dough reached 1 percent. Corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 43 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 24 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 9 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested for grain reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent.