Harvest nears halfway point in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 11, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois Tuesday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 61.8 degrees, 5.6 degrees above normal. The only measurable precipitation occurred along the Eastern and Southern edges of the state. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 36 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 34 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 2 surplus. Corn mature was 95 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 92 percent.

Corn harvested for grain was 45 percent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 53 percent. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 17 percent excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves was at 95 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 90 percent. Soybean harvest was 56 percent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 50 percent. Soybean condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted was at 46 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 34 percent. Winter wheat emerged was at 15 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 9 percent.