Crops slightly ahead of schedule
SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 1, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.
Statewide, the average temperature was 74.8 degrees, 0.4 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.89 inches, 0.13 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent very short, 14 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.
Corn silking reached 96 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 92 percent. Corn dough reached 49 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 44 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 26 percent excellent.
Soybeans blooming reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 82 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 59 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 52 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 43 percent good, and 24 percent excellent.
