Soy harvest, wheat planting behind

SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.7 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 24, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 54.1 degrees, 1.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.70 inches, 0.02 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 13 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 78 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 72 percent. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 97 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 98 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 68 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 77 percent.

Winter wheat planted reached 67 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 72 percent. Winter wheat emerged reached 48 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 43 percent. Winter wheat condition was 6 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 14 percent fair, 70 percent good, and 6 percent excellent.