With corn planting nearing completion, many farmers in Southern Illinois have been able to more focus to soybean planting, causing a noticeable 28 percent increase in soybeans planted.
Due to frequent showers in some parts of the state, some farmers were scrambling to get hay cut and baled. Precipitation averaged 0.98 inches throughout the state, right in line with normal.
Temperatures across the state averaged 72.8 degrees for the week, 1.0 degree above normal. There were 4.90 days suitable for field work last week. Topsoil moisture levels across the state were rated as 2 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 24 percent excellent.
Corn planting was 99 percent complete. Corn emerged progressed to 94 percent compared to 100 percent last year and the five-year average of 97 percent.
Corn conditions were rated at 2 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 44 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.
Soybean planting was accelerated by weather conditions this week and progressed to 90 percent complete.
Soybeans emerged increased 67 percent, compared to the five-year average of 76 percent.
Winter wheat conditions were rated as 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.
Alfalfa conditions were rated as 1 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 23 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.
Red clover conditions were rated as 6 percent poor, 20 percent fair, 69 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.
Pasture conditions were rated as 1 percent very poor, 2 percent poor, 8 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 34 percent excellent.
