The recent cool temperatures slowed the emergence of corn and soybeans as we hear in the weekly crop report. The average statewide temperatures this past week was 58 degrees. That’s 7 degrees below normal says the USDA’s Todd Ballard. He details progress in the fields.
77 percent of corn has emerged, compared to 84 percent at this time last year. 51 percent of soybeans have been planted and 20 percent emerged. Average statewide topsoil moisture is now rated at 3 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 26 percent surplus.