Wheat progressing ahead of schedule

There were 4.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending May 21, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 63 degrees, 1.6 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.65 inches, 0.22 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 5 percent very short, 11 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 91 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 75 percent. Corn emerged reached 68 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 53 percent. Soybeans planted reached 85 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 58 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 57 percent compared to the 5-year average of 34 percent.

Winter wheat headed was 84 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 76 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.