News

Michigan farmers make up for lost time

Michigan farmers have finally made some headway on the planting season.  The Michigan Ag Statistics Office says there were just over five days suitable for fieldwork as of Sunday.

Corn planting almost doubled from last week to 65 percent complete, seven percent behind the five year average, 17 percent of the crop has emerged. Soybean planting also doubled over the last week to 34 percent complete, 14 percent behind average, six percent of the crop has emerged.  Oats are 54 percent planted, 13 percent behind average.

Sugarbeet planting is complete with 66 percent of the crop emerged. Condition is rated 78 percent good to excellent.  Winter wheat condition gained three percentage points to 77 percent good to excellent, four percent of the crop has headed, on pace with last year.  Some first cutting of alfalfa has started.

Tree fruit bloom in Michigan orchards has been longer than normal with decreased pest activity because of recent cool weather. Direct seeding of vegetables and transplants continues.  Asparagus harvest continues.