First crop report issued

A farmer works ground in McLean County last month / CIFN photo.

SPRINGFIELD – There were 3.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending April 4, according to the very first crop progress and weather report of the season for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature last week was 45.6 degrees, 1.8 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.04 inches, 0.84 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 79 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Winter wheat headed was 2 percent, up 1 percent over the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 17 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.