Farm

Illinois farmers have an opportunity to join the Family Farmers High Performance Team, bringing the farm to more than 30,000 NASCAR fans this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway.
Kenny Wallace, currently the seventh-ranking driver in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will pilot the "Family Farmers" car in Saturday's race, which will be aired live at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
Partnered with the television exposure of the "Family Farmers" car, the nearly 18,000-square-foot "Farm Experience" will allow race fans to learn more about farming, and more importantly, meet family farmers themselves.

With the spring planting season once again going strong, the Illinois State Police this week reminded motorists to continue to use caution while traveling on rural roadways.
Rick Britton, District 12 commander, reminded motorists to be on the lookout for farmers as they move equipment from field to field.
"They will be traveling at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less," he said. "Drivers should be aware and prepared to slow down when encountering farm vehicles. We want this to be a safe season for motorists and farmers alike."

Cicadas emerged last week from their underground homes of the past 13 years and began their above-ground life cycle. The noisy insects inhabit wooded areas and the males can be heard "singing" to attract females. Their song has been described as a slow repetition of the word "pharaoh."

Temperatures were above normal with a statewide average of 66.6 degrees. The average for the time period is 61.7 degrees.
Rains resumed toward the end of the week for an average of 1.09 inches statewide. The norm for the time period is 0.9 inches.
The number of days suitable for fieldwork averaged 4.7. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 41 percent surplus.
With higher temperatures and dry weather for the majority of the week, planting was in full swing, even though some acres were being replanted.