Farmers had some solid days to catch up on planting as we hear in the weekly crop report.
Crop Statistician Mark Schleusener says little over 4.5 days were suitable for fieldwork, offering time to plant, apply fertilizer, and harvest hay.
“Soybean planting moved forward by 24 points and reached 62% complete. That compares to 79-percent a year ago and 57 for the five-year average. 27-percent of soybean acres have emerged compared to 35-percent normally.”
Schleusener reports 78% of corn has been planted with 48% emerged.
He reports the winter wheat crop is progressing.
“71% of wheat acres are now heading compared to 89% one year ago and 82% for the five-year average. The condition of the wheat crop in Illinois has improved slightly and is now rated 15-percent very poor to poor, 30-percent fair, and 55-percent good to excellent. ”
Seven percent of the first cutting of alfalfa is complete.
Average statewide topsoil moisture came in at 7% short, 70% adequate, and 23% surplus.
