Illinois crops hanging in there

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 8, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 72.3 degrees, 1.5 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.10 inches, 0.85 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 17 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 13 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 66 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 62 percent. Corn dented reached 3 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 13 percent. Corn condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 24 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 90 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 71 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 68 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 16 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 23 percent excellent.