Illinois farmers have had plenty of time in the fields as we hear in the weekly crop report.
Virtually no rainfall left nearly all seven days suitable for fieldwork and planting is nearing completion. Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener first looks at soybeans.
“Soybean planting advanced by 7 points and was 92% finished as of Sunday. That is 19 points ahead of 1 year ago and 25% ahead of the five-year average. 76% of soybean acres have emerged compared to 50% normally. Corn planting reached 95% finished compared to 87% one year ago and 82% for the five-year average. 84% of the corn acres have emerged compared to 68% normally. The Illinois corn crop was rated 7% very poor to poor, 24% fair and 69% good to excellent.”
93% of winter wheat acres are heading and 63% of the first cutting of alfalfa hay is now complete. Average statewide topsoil moisture declined to 14% very short, 28% short, 54% adequate, and 4% surplus.
