Corn maturity progresses

There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 26, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report for Illinois issued Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 71.6 degrees, 1.8 degrees below the normal. Precipitation averaged 1.78 inches, 1.08 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 6 percent very short, 20 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 7 percent very short, 28 percent short, 62 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn dough reached 97 percent, compared to 94 percent last year. Corn dented reached 80 percent, compared to 52 percent last year. Corn mature reached 11 percent, 7 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average. Corn condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 19 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 29 percent excellent.

Soybeans coloring reached 16 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 5 percent. Soybean condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 21 percent fair, 48 percent good, and 27 percent excellent.

Sorghum headed reached 91 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 89 percent. Sorghum coloring reached 71 percent, compared to 71 percent last year. Sorghum mature reached 29 percent, compared to 23 percent last year. Sorghum condition was rated at 1 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.