By Andi Anderson
In the week ending April 6, 2025, Illinois farmers experienced only 1.7 days suitable for fieldwork due to persistent rainfall. This marked a slow start to spring farming activities across the state.
The average statewide temperature was 47.2 degrees Fahrenheit, just 0.1 degrees below normal. However, it was the rainfall that impacted operations the most. Illinois received 3.39 inches of precipitation during the week, which was 2.71 inches above the typical average for this period.
As a result of the excess rain, topsoil and subsoil moisture levels increased. Topsoil moisture was reported as 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 34 percent surplus.
Subsoil moisture stood at 1 percent very short, 31 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 23 percent surplus. The increased surplus in both topsoil and subsoil indicates water saturation in many areas, which further delayed field preparations.
Despite the challenges, soybean planting has officially begun in some parts of Illinois, with 1 percent of the crop reported as planted. Although this is a small start, it marks the beginning of the planting season.
Winter wheat conditions showed stable progress. The crop condition was rated at 2 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 55 percent good, and 8 percent excellent. These figures suggest that, despite the weather, winter wheat has maintained relatively healthy development.
A local agricultural report stated, “The rain was much needed in some areas, but the timing has definitely slowed early planting efforts.”
Farmers across the state are now waiting for drier conditions to resume planting activities. With the soil already holding significant moisture, any additional rain could further delay progress.
This early April report highlights the importance of weather patterns in determining planting schedules and crop outcomes. Continued monitoring will help farmers make the best decisions moving forward.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Weather