Corn planting nears completion

SPRINGFIELD – There were 3.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 23, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 69.8 degrees, 4.4 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.45 inches, 0.54 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 12 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 90 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 79 percent. Corn emerged reached 74 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 63 percent. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 13 percent excellent. Soybeans planted reached 80 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 53 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 60 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 30 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 90 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 84 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 27 percent excellent.