The Department of Agriculture says wet, cool conditions in Illinois kept farmers out of their field for much of last week. The average temperature across Illinois was about three degrees below normal at 58.8 degrees. Precipitation averaged 2.09 inches, about 2 inches above normal.
Agriculture analysts say there was only one day during the week ending May 15 that had conditions suitable for field work.
83% of the corn crop has been planted, compared to the 5-year average of 76%. Corn emerged was at 64%, compared to 66% last year and the 5-year average of 45%.
29% of the soybean crop has been planted.
The winter wheat condition was rated 3% very poor, 4% poor, 31% fair, 51% good, and 11% excellent.
