News

Recent cool down had little impact

Michigan crops continue to advance ahead of average despite last week’s cool down. USDA NASS reports just over five days were suitable for field work as of Sunday.

Michigan’s corn crop is now 86 percent in the dough stage, an increase of 10 percent from last year and up 4 percent from the five year average. Condition is steady at 69 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are now 97 percent setting pods, with condition increasing one point to 64 percent good to excellent. Dry beans are 82 percent in pod set, with harvest set to begin shortly. Condition fell two points over the last week, now 60 percent good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition remains steady at 85 percent good to excellent, harvest is now 4 percent complete.

Last week’s cooler temperatures may have hindered vine crop pollination. Disease pressure continues for the state’s vegetable growers. Harvest of Michigan sweet corn, field tomatoes and peppers continues. Harvest is approaching in the northwest of table potatoes.

Fruit harvest of late season peaches, plums, pears, raspberries and early apple varieties is underway. Growers are removing fruit from apple orchards affected by hail damage in the northwest.