Corn Planting in Illinois Slowed This Year

The rate of corn planting in Illinois is behind the five-year average.

This week's state crop report indicates that five percent of the corn crop is in the ground, well behind the average of 22 percent.

Oat and sorghum planting progressed to 51% and 3%, respectively.  

Producers were busy this past week with anhydrous applications and tillage as fields continued to dry out and temperatures warmed up.  Statewide temperatures averaged 47.3 degrees, 6.7 degrees below normal.  Statewide precipitation averaged 0.64 inches, 0.32 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture was rated at 1% very poor, 10% short, 78% adequate and 11% surplus.  Subsoil moisture was rated at 5% very short, 24% short, 65% adequate, and 6% surplus.

Winter wheat conditions were rated at 2% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 46% good, and 14% excellent.