Harvest slowly begins in Illinois

(A field of beans in Livingston County turns yellow)

There were 6.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 3, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Tuesday of this week.

Statewide, the average temperature was 69.3 degrees, 3.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.05 inches, 0.72 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 22 percent very short, 34 percent short, and 44 percent adequate. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 15 percent very short, 41 percent short, and 44 percent adequate.

Corn dough reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 93 percent. Corn dented reached 66 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 72 percent. Corn mature reached 15 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 19 percent. Corn harvested reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 0 percent. Corn condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 89 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 93 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 7 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 6 percent. Soybean condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.