Planting progress catching up

A planter shown in a field of cover crops in McLean County Tuesday.

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.4 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 15, according to the weekly crop progress report issued for Illinois this week.

Statewide, the average temperature was 75.8 degrees, 14.1 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.19 inches, 0.71 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent short, 81 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 3 percent short, 82 percent adequate, and 15 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 55 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 70 percent. Corn emerged reached 13 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 44 percent. Soybeans planted reached 38 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 45 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 9 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 19 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 57 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 66 percent.

Winter wheat condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 42 percent good, and 10 percent excellent.