Planting creeps ahead in Illinois

There were 1.9 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending April 7, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 46.0 degrees, 1.4 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.96 inches, 1.30 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 12 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 7 percent very short, 20 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 2 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 1 percent. Soybeans planted reached 2 percent.

Winter wheat headed reached 2 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 1 percent. Winter wheat condition was 4 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 12 percent excellent.