News

Illinois picks up planting pace

Planting progress made large strides in Illinois last week with more than five days suitable for fieldwork thanks to unseasonably hot weather.

USDA says 55 percent of the state’s corn crop is planted, with 40 percent of the crop going in the ground last week but still 29 percent behind last year. Thirteen percent of the crop has emerged, 43 percent behind last year.

Thirty – eight percent of Illinois’ soybean crop is planted, more than 30 percent behind last year.

Heading for Illinois’ winter wheat reached 57 percent, more than 20 percent behind last year but within 10 percent of the five-year average. Wheat’s condition rating improved sharply to 84 percent fair or better.

Pasture conditions improved last week with most ground in fair or good condition; 52 percent rated good, and 24 percent rated excellent. Topsoil moisture is 81 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture is 82 percent adequate and 15 percent surplus.