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Winter wheat looking good in Illinois

Illinois farmers were able to complete much of their field work last week, as the chilly temperatures remained above freezing.

USDA officials say the harvest is wrapped up and soil moisture levels could still use some help.  As of Sunday, topsoil moisture ratings were 7% surplus, 46% adequate, 34% short, and 13% very short.  Subsoil moisture isn’t quite as good, with only 2% having surplus moisture, 41% adequate, 40% short, and 17% very short.

Ninety three percent of the winter wheat crop in Illinois has emerged, and 15% of the wheat is in excellent condition.  Fifty-seven percent is rated good, 21% fair, and 5% poor.

This was the last week of reporting for the 2023 crop.   USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will resume weekly crop reports in April.