News

More rain needed for Michigan crops

Timely rains were welcomed by most Michigan farmers last week, but crop condition is starting to decline. Continued dry conditions persist in the south.  Topsoil moisture is 47 percent short to very short as of Sunday.

The Michigan Ag Statistics Office says the state’s corn crop is now 96 percent emerged, two points behind of the five year average. Condition dropped three points to 63 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 93 percent emerged, and condition declined six points to 68 percent good to excellent.  Winter wheat is 93 percent headed, eight percent mature, and condition declined five points to 74 percent good to excellent.

Dry bean planting is 84 percent complete, 34 percent of the crop has emerged. Sugarbeet condition remains steady at 76 percent good to excellent.  First cutting of alfalfa is 79 percent complete, second cutting is at four percent.

Mid-week rains aided fruit development, but high winds and hail in the southwest caused some damage to tree fruits and berries. Sweet cherry harvest has begun in the southwest with bird pressure an issue.  Strawberry harvest continues.  Spotted Wing Drosophila is being trapped in the southwest and west central regions.  Yellow squash, zucchini and cucumber harvest should begin soon.  Asparagus harvest is wrapping up.