Illinois crops are coming along

Posted on July 19, 2022
Corn silking reached 60 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 64 percent. Corn dough reached 6 percent, even with the 5-year average. (WJBC file photo)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 17, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 75.3 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.68 inches, 0.01 inches below normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 18 percent short, 69 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.

Corn silking reached 60 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 64 percent. Corn dough reached 6 percent, even with the 5-year average. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 54 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

Soybeans blooming reached 41 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 55 percent. Soybeans setting pods reached 8 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 21 percent. Soybean condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 49 percent good, 13 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested for grain was 96 percent, even with the 5-year average.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…