Bean planting ahead of schedule

SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.3 days suitable for field work during the week ending April 25, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday afternoon.

Statewide, the average temperature was 45.9 degrees, 9.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.49 inches, 0.45 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 23 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 28 percent. Corn emerged reached 2 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. Soybeans planted reached 18 percent, compared to the 5- year average of 6 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 19 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 11 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 2 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.