Crop development moving along

SPRINGFIELD – There were 2.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 18, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 73.5 degrees, 3.0 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 2.38 inches, 1.68 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent very short, 9 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 77 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 67 percent. Corn dough reached 9 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 7 percent. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 18 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 66 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 56 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 20 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 23 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 45 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.