Wet Conditions Last Week Slowed Harvest

Three weeks of wet conditions have left the ground in much of Illinois saturated.

The state crop report indicates limited harvest of corn and soybeans occurred last week, but progress remains behind normal. 

Statewide, precipitation averaged 1.45 inches, 0.73 inches above normal. There were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending October 19. The average temperature was 54.1 degrees, 0.4 degrees below normal.

Corn mature reached 97%, slightly ahead of last year. Corn harvest was 43% complete, compared to the five-year average of 63%. Corn condition remained at 83% good to excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves reached 95%, slightly behind the five-year average of 97%. Soybean harvest was 37% complete, up 8% from last week. Soybean condition remained at 79% good to excellent.

Sorghum mature reached 91% and sorghum harvest was 34% complete.

Pasture condition was rated at 1% very poor, 4% poor, 23% fair, 53% good, and 19% excellent. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 1% very short, 4% short, 67% adequate, and 28% surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was 8% short, 76% adequate, and 16% surplus.