Harvest progress still above average

There were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending September 29, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued for Illinois on Monday.

Statewide, the average temperature was 66.5 degrees, 5.2 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.99 inches, 1.24 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 36 percent short, 49 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 13 percent very short, 36 percent short, 47 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.

Corn mature reached 85 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 70 percent. Corn harvested reached 21 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 16 percent. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 18 percent fair, 58 percent good, and 19 percent excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves reached 86 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 69 percent. Soybeans harvested reached 24 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 11 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 57 percent good, and 15 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted reached 11 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 8 percent. Winter wheat emerged reached 2 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 1 percent.