Planting progress creeps ahead

There were 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending April 13, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 46.1 degrees, 3.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.23 inches, 0.72 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 10 percent short, 69 percent adequate, and 20 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent very short, 27 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 4 percent. Soybeans planted reached 2 percent, equal to the 5-year average. Winter wheat headed reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 3 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 1 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.