Over half of state's corn mature

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending September 12, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 70.3 degrees, 0.6 above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.24 inches, 0.45 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 23 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 24 percent short, and 67 percent adequate.

Corn dented reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent. Corn mature reached 51 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 37 percent. Corn harvested reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 21 percent excellent.

Soybeans turning color reached 63 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 49 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 33 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 19 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 7 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 20 percent excellent.