Corn harvest behind schedule

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 18, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 68.2 degrees, 1.6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.50 inches, 0.35 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 14 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 23 percent short, 65 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 92 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 98 percent. Corn dented reached 77 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 91 percent. Corn mature reached 27 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 51 percent.

Corn harvested for grain reached 2 percent, compared to the 5- year average of 7 percent. Corn condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 97 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 41 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 39 percent. Soybean condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 52 percent good, 15 percent excellent.