Illinois corn and soybean harvests past the halfway mark

(Facebook/Illinois Farm Bureau photo submitted by Amy Heberling of Christian County)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending October 15, 2023. Statewide, the average temperature was 54.3 degrees, 1.6 degrees below normal.

Precipitation averaged 1.18 inches, 0.71 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 13 percent very short, 27 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 20 percent very short, 36 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested reached 52 percent, equal to the 5-year average. Corn condition was rated 5 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 47 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.

Soybeans harvested reached 61 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 53 percent. Soybean condition was rated 4 percent very poor, 10 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 7 percent excellent.

Winter wheat planted reached 47 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 45 percent. Winter wheat emerged reached 15 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 18 percent.

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