Illinois farmers have made significant progress in planting corn and soybeans, with both crops now about three-quarters complete, according to the latest USDA crop progress and condition report released May 18th.
As of May 17th, 75% of the state’s corn had been planted, a substantial increase from 54% the previous week and slightly ahead of the five-year average of 73%. Corn emergence stands at 46%, matching the five-year average. Soybean planting also surged, reaching 74%, up from 57% the week before and well ahead of the five-year average of 63%. Soybean emergence is at 44%, compared to the five-year average of 35%.
Farmers benefited from 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the reporting week. The average statewide temperature was 62.4 degrees, just 0.2 degrees below normal, while precipitation averaged 0.46 inches, which is 0.62 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 3% very short, 14% short, 72% adequate, and 11% surplus. As for subsoil moisture, 3% was very short, 17% short, 67% adequate, and 13% surplus.
Winter wheat is also progressing well, with 82% headed, outpacing the five-year average of 75%. The wheat crop condition was rated 2% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 59% good, and 14% excellent.