Planting still behind schedule

There were 1.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 8, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 53.9 degrees, 4.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 1.56 inches, 0.53 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 50 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 15 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 58 percent. Corn emerged reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 23 percent. Soybeans planted reached 11 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 30 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 19 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 42 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 9 percent very poor, 16 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 34 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.