Illinois farmers made significant harvest progress during the past week as warm, dry weather provided nearly a full week of fieldwork opportunities.
According to the latest USDA crop report, farmers harvested 15% of the state’s corn crop and 17% of soybeans during the week ending October 11. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork.
Corn harvest reached 51% statewide, ahead of the five-year average of 44%. About 96% of the crop had reached maturity, compared with the five-year average of 94%.
Corn condition was rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 29% fair, 46% good and 14% excellent.
Soybean harvest reached 48%, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 46%. About 93% of soybeans were dropping leaves, compared with the five-year average of 94%.
Soybean condition was rated 3% very poor, 7% poor, 30% fair, 47% good and 13% excellent.
The statewide average temperature for the week was 64.1 degrees, six degrees above normal. Illinois received an average of just 0.05 inches of precipitation, 0.66 inches below normal.
Dryness remains a concern in some areas. Topsoil moisture was rated 13% very short, 28% short, 54% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 13% very short, 29% short, 53% adequate and 5% surplus.
Winter wheat planting reached 28%, compared with the five-year average of 29%. Five percent of the crop had emerged, behind the five-year average of 10%.