Warm and dry weather for Illinois farmers over the past week

Posted on June 11, 2024
Corn planted reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 92 percent. Corn emerged reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent. (WJBC file photo)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending June 9, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 71.6 degrees, 2.4 degrees above normal.

Precipitation averaged 0.66 inches, 0.23 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent short, 72 percent adequate, and 18 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 17 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 92 percent. Corn emerged reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent. Corn condition was rated 4 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 56 percent good, 18 percent excellent.

Soybeans planted reached 87 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 84 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 69 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 71 percent. Soybeans condition was rated 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 56 percent good, and 13 percent excellent.

Winter wheat harvested for grain was 6 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 1 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 1 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 61 percent good, and 16 percent excellent.

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…