Despite heavy rainfall slowing fieldwork in portions of northern Illinois, corn and soybean harvest continues to run ahead of the five-year average statewide.
According to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report, Illinois farmers had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 27th.
Corn harvest reached 26%, compared with the five-year average of 17%. Eighty-three percent of the crop was mature, ahead of the 77% average, while 60% of corn was rated good to excellent.
Soybean harvest reached 21%, compared with the five-year average of 14%. Seventy-nine percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, matching the five-year average, while 60% of the crop was rated good to excellent.
Soil moisture remains mixed across the state. Topsoil moisture was rated 33% short or very short, 60% adequate and 7% surplus. Subsoil moisture was 37% short or very short, 59% adequate and 4% surplus.
Meanwhile, Illinois winter wheat planting is running slightly behind schedule. USDA estimates 6% has been planted, compared with 8% for the five-year average and 11% at this point last year. One percent of the crop has emerged.
Nationally, winter wheat planting reached 27%, compared with the five-year average of 34%.