Corn and soybean planting remains ahead of schedule as we hear in the weekly crop report.
Last week was cooler and drier than normal and there were about 4 days suitable for fieldwork says Crop Statistician Mark Schluesener.
“Corn planting advanced by 8 points last week and was 18% finished by Sunday. That is 8 points ahead of 1 week earlier and 7 points ahead of the five year average. Soybean planting reached 15% finished compared to 1% a year ago and 6% normally.”
He also has an update on the winter wheat crop.
“7% of winter wheat acres are now heading in Illinois compared to 5% one year ago and 6% normally. The condition was rated 4% very poor to poor, 18% fair and 78% good to excellent. That is nearly the same as one week ago and considerably better than one year ago.”
Average statewide topsoil moisture came in at 1% very short, 7% short, 66% adequate and 26% surplus. As of Sunday, soil temperatures ranged from the upper 30’s and low 40’s in northern Illinois to the upper 40’s and lower 50’s in southern areas.
