Illinois crop progress

There were 6.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending Sept. 18. Statewide, the average temperature was 68.2 degrees, 1.6 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 0.50 inches, 0.35 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10% very short, 14% short, 61% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 10% very short, 23% short, 65% adequate and 2% surplus. Corn dough reached 92%, compared to the five-year average of 98%. Corn dented reached 77%, compared to the five-year average of 91%. Corn mature reached 27%, compared to the five-year average of 51%. Corn harvested for grain reached 2%, compared to the five-year average of 7%. Corn condition was rated 4% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 51% good, and 20% excellent. Soybeans setting pods reached 93%, compared to the five-year average of 97%. Soybeans dropping leaves reached 41%, compared to the five-year average of 39%. Soybean condition was rated 5% very poor, 5% poor, 23% fair, 52% good, and 15% excellent. Alfalfa hay third cutting reached 83%, compared to the five-year average of 96%. Pasture condition was rated 6% very poor, 13% poor, 35% fair, 35% good, and 11% excellent.