Illinois wheat harvest begins

A Livingston County farmer harvests wheat during a previous season / file photo.

SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending June 20, according to the weekly crop progress and weather report issued Monday for Illinois.

Statewide, the average temperature was 75.2 degrees, 2.2 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.72 inches, 0.27 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 28 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 4 percent very short, 30 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. Soybeans planted reached 96 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 93 percent.

Soybeans emerged reached 94 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 86 percent. Soybeans blooming reached 1 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 4 percent. Soybean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested for grain reached 12 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 38 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 1 percent poor, 11 percent fair, 60 percent good, and 27 percent excellent.