Update from Illinois farm fields in this week’s USDA crop report

Soybeans planted reached 72 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 65 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 44 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 45 percent. (Facebook/Illinois Farm Bureau)

By USDA

SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending May 26, 2024. Statewide, the average temperature was 70.7 degrees, 5.5 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.24 inches, 0.26 inches above normal.

Topsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 32 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated 1 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus.

Corn planted reached 80 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 79 percent. Corn emerged reached 65 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 62 percent. Corn condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 54 percent good, 18 percent excellent.

Soybeans planted reached 72 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 65 percent. Soybeans emerged reached 44 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 45 percent.

Winter wheat headed reached 93 percent, compared to the 5-year average of 85 percent. Winter wheat condition was rated 7 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 22 percent fair, 51 percent good, and 12 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…