Illinois winter wheat harvest is well underway but progressing somewhat slower than in past years.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 18 percent of the state’s crop has been harvested for grain, compared to the five-year average of 29 percent.
Condition of the crop was rated 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 54 percent good and 15 percent excellent.
Meanwhile, soybean planting reached 98 percent, compared to the average of 93 percent. Beans emerged reached 93 percent, compared to the five-year average of 85 percent.
Bean condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 57 percent good and 9 percent excellent.
Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 57 percent good and 14 percent excellent.
Statewide, the average temperature was 78.8 degrees, 5.9 degrees above normal. In Crawford County, where the mercury boiled over the 100-degree mark on three consecutive days, the average was 80.5.
Precipitation averaged.50 inches, .51 inches below normal. Locally, .65 inch of rain was reported during the week.
Topsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 29 percent short, 68 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 2 percent very short, 19 percent short, 78 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.
There were 5.9 days suitable for field work last week.