By Andi Anderson
The week ending November 12, 2023, has been a notable one for Illinois agriculture. The state experienced 6.7 days suitable for fieldwork, an opportunity that farmers utilized effectively. This period was marked by an average temperature of 49.5 degrees, which is 6.5 degrees above the norm for this time of year.
This warmer weather, coupled with lower-than-average precipitation (averaging 0.03 inches, 0.68 inches below normal), created favorable conditions for crop progress.
In terms of soil moisture, topsoil was predominantly in adequate condition (61 percent), with some areas experiencing short (27 percent) and very short (8 percent) moisture levels. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern, with 49 percent adequacy and noticeable shortness in some areas (34 percent short, 16 percent very short).
The highlight of the report is the corn harvest. This year, 95 percent of the corn has been harvested, surpassing both last year's mark at this time (93 percent) and the 5-year average of 91 percent. This indicates not only a successful season but also efficient farming practices and favorable weather conditions.
Winter wheat planting has also seen significant progress. Eighty-five percent of the winter wheat has emerged, compared to the 5-year average of 76 percent. This is a clear indicator of the good conditions that have prevailed this season. The condition of the winter wheat is mostly favorable, with 55 percent rated as good and 18 percent as excellent. Only a small portion falls under the poor category (4 percent).
This year's report reflects the resilience and adaptability of Illinois' agriculture sector. Despite varying conditions, the state's farmers have managed to not only meet but exceed average crop progress rates. This bodes well for the state's agricultural output and highlights the importance of adaptive farming practices in the face of changing weather patterns.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Illinois, Crops