Cool Wet Conditions Slowed Planting Last Week

Cool temperatures and wet conditions limited what producers in Illinois could accomplish last week.

Over two inches of rain hit the southeastern part of the state and caused minor flooding.  The rest of the state experienced enough precipitation to limit field work.

Corn planting increased to 43% complete, slightly ahead of the five-year average of 41%.  Oat planting progressed to 72% complete, behind the five-year average of 84%.  Sorghum and soybean planting reached 7% and 3%, respectively.  Winter wheat headed reached 2%, well behind the five-year average of 26%.

There were 1.7 days suitable for field work.  Statewide temperatures averaged 53.9 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal.  Statewide precipitation averaged 1.46 inches, a half-inch above normal.  

Topsoil moisture was rated at 9% short, 77% adequate, and 14% surplus.  Subsoil moisture was rated at 4% very short, 23% short, 68% adequate, and 5% surplus.  

Winter wheat condition was rated at 2% very poor, 7% poor, 31% fair, 44% good, and 16% excellent.

Pasture condition was rated at 1% very poor, 6% poor, 37% fair, 43% good, and 13% excellent.