Harvest slowly progresses in state

There were 5.6 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 25, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 68.3 degrees, 6.4 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.88 inches, 0.05 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 10 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 12 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 96 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 99 percent. Corn dented reached 81 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 94 percent. Corn mature reached 47 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 66 percent. Corn harvested for grain reached 6 percent, compared to the 5- year average of 16 percent. Corn condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 96 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 98 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 63 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 57 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 2 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 10 percent. Soybean condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 51 percent good, 15 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent.