Wet Windy Week Slows Crop Planting Progress

A wet, windy week has kept most Illinois producers out of the field, limiting field work to disking and applying fertilizer.

Statewide, the average temperature was 48.6 degrees, one degree above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.12 inches, 17 hundredths of an inch above normal. There were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 3.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 4% short, 74% adequate and 22% surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 3% short, 84% adequate, and 13% surplus. 

Winter wheat condition was rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 27% fair, 49% good, and 18% excellent. 

Oats planted reached 13%.

Pasture and range condition was rated at 5% poor, 24% fair, 56% good, and 15% excellent.