Harvest rolls along in weekly report

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 18, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 53.7 degrees, 1.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.11 inches, 0.55 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 22 percent very short, 34 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 16 percent very short, 40 percent short, and 44 percent adequate.

Corn harvested for grain was 66 percent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 65 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 14 percent excellent. Soybean harvest was 81 percent complete, compared to the 5-year average of 66 percent.

Winter wheat planted was at 73 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 55 percent. Winter wheat emerged was at 25 percent, even with the 5-year average.