Planting progress creeps ahead

A planter being filled with corn in McLean County last week.

SPRINGFIELD – There were 3.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 1, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 53.7 degrees, 2.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.90 inches, equal to the average. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 29 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 7 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 43 percent. Soybeans planted reached 5 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 19 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 12 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 24 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 8 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 37 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.