The latest weekly crop report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates winter wheat development is ahead of the normal pace across Illinois, aided in part by warmer temperatures in the southern portion of the state where most of the crop is grown. Planting progress statewide is also running well ahead of average.
For the week ending April 26, the USDA reported 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture levels were rated 7% very short, 17% short, 70% adequate, and 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 10% very short, 28% short, 57% adequate, and 5% surplus.
The statewide average temperature for the week was 60 degrees, which is 4.6 degrees above normal. Rainfall averaged 0.14 inches, nearly one inch below normal.
Corn planting reached 29%, surpassing the five-year average of 19%, while corn emergence was reported at 12%, well ahead of the 2% average.
Soybean planting also moved quickly, reaching 36% compared to the five-year average of 18%. Soybeans emerged reached 15%, significantly above the 2% average.
Winter wheat heading advanced to 36%, compared to the five-year average of 13%. Crop conditions were rated 2% very poor, 6% poor, 25% fair, 56% good, and 9% excellent.