News

Pest and disease outbreaks expected

Wet and humid growing conditions have farmers worried about potential crop damage.

According to the Great Lakes ag statistic office, just short of three days were suitable for fieldwork last week in Michigan.  Some farmers reported significantly worsened crop conditions in fields with poor drainage and excessive rainfall.  Corn, soybeans, dry beans and sugarbeets across the state have reported crop stress and may need to be replanted.  USDA reports topsoil moisture 47 percent surplus and subsoil moisture 38 percent surplus.

Corn condition on average has remained steady, 75 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 96 percent emerged and 68 percent good to excellent, dropping 9 percent from last week.  Winter wheat condition remains steady at 68 percent good to excellent, 2 percent is mature.  Sugarbeets are 96 percent emerged and 79 percent good to excellent.  Dry beans are 74 percent planted and 48 percent emerged.  First cutting alfalfa is 71 percent complete, with second cutting reported at 3 percent.

Sweet corn in the southwest is beginning to tassel.  Tomato, peppers and eggplant transplanting is nearly complete.  Disease and insect pressure continue to plague growers.

Strawberry harvest in the south has been rained out in some fields.  Young orchards are experiencing increased disease issues due to wet conditions.  Blueberry growers report standing water in fields.