Illinois farmers made significant planting progress last week, according to the latest weekly Crop Progress and Condition report from the USDA.
As of Sunday, 67% of soybeans had been planted across the state, up from 51% the previous week and ahead of the 55% planted at this time last year. Soybeans emerged reached 45%, a notable increase compared to the five-year average of 33%.
Corn planting also surged, with 74% of the crop now in the ground, compared to 54% the week before and 63% at the same time last year. Corn emergence is at 54%, above the five-year average of 48%.
The report also notes that farmers had favorable weather, with 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 18. The statewide average temperature was 67.4 degrees—4.6 degrees above normal—while precipitation averaged just 0.39 inches, which is 0.80 inches below normal.
Topsoil moisture was rated at 5% very short, 26% short, 51% adequate, and 18% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed similar trends, with 5% very short, 23% short, 54% adequate, and 18% surplus.
Winter wheat progress lagged slightly, with 63% headed compared to the five-year average of 77%. Condition ratings for winter wheat stood at 5% poor, 35% fair, 49% good, and 11% excellent.
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