Temperatures this week ranged from the low 30s to low 80s, with strong winds up to 40 mph and the potential for patchy frost from Saturday night into Monday morning. We received 0.75–1.5 inches of rain over the past week, which continues to chip away at the drought, leaving an estimated 3–6 inches still needed. Fields have been too wet for much activity the past several days, and additional rain could keep things slow into early next week.
There was a burst of field activity late last week ahead of the rain, with some progress made on tillage, pre-emerge, and anhydrous ammonia applications, though overall activity has been lighter as growers wait for better soil moisture for planting. No known soybeans have been planted locally yet, early-planted corn has started to spike, and reports indicate wheat is already heading in southern Illinois, with several local fields not far behind.

Temperatures ranging from low 30s to low 80s. High winds up to 40 mph. Watch out for patchy frost damage in your region Saturday night through Monday morning.

We received .75″ to 1.5″ in the last week with most of it falling Wednesday night. Remember at the beginning of March we needed 14-17″ just to get us out of the drought. As we get closer to May 1st, we are getting closer to closing that gap with the frequent storms that we have had. Now that we are halfway through April, we are closer to 3-6″ from relieving the drought. The rest of the month could provide those amounts if not get close.

Fields have been too wet to work the last few days. The delay will continue until early next week if we get the one plus inch of rain that is forecasted for tonight.

Field activity really took off at the end of last week and into the beginning of this week, with growers making progress on tillage, pre-emerge, and anhydrous ammonia applications ahead of recent rainfall.

Although it is still early in the season, the fields are not as busy as I thought they would be with how dry the soil is. That is mostly in part of the recent rain fall but I also think growers are waiting for soil moisture to be readily available for seed imbibition in the drier areas.

No soybean acres are known to be planted in the immediate area at this time; however, approximately 5% of the state’s soybean acreage has been planted.

The corn in the area that was planted early has started to spike.

I have heard reports of wheat already heading in Southern Illinois around Madison County, several local fields are not too far behind.