Illinois finally had a week of below-normal rainfall allowing farmers to nearly finish planting.

State Crop Statistician Mark Schluessner indicates temperatures were also above normal for the week, allowing for nearly five days suitable for fieldwork.

Soybean planting is moving along. Schluessner indicates the condition of the crop is better than a year ago and is 87 percent finished, moving ahead of the yearly average.

Corn planting is nearly complete and Schluessner notes the corn planting progress has also now outpaced the yearly average.

Winter wheat harvest is underway in Illinois and Schluessner indicates the condition of the crop is better than it was a year ago.

Pasture condition improved from a year ago and alfalfa hay is 72 percent finished.