News

Recent rains not enough for Michigan farmers

Scattered rain showers were timely for many Michigan farmers last week, but more precipitation is needed. The U.S. Drought Monitor has declared parts of 12 south central and southeast counties abnormally dry.  The Department of Natural Resources says fire danger is high to extreme in parts of the Central and Thumb regions.

The Michigan Ag Statistics Office says the state’s corn crop condition remained steady as of Sunday at 63 percent good to excellent. Soybeans are 96 percent emerged, and condition declined another five points to 63 percent good to excellent.  Winter wheat is 95 percent headed, 20 percent mature, and condition remained steady at 74 percent good to excellent.

Dry bean planting is 95 percent complete, 60 percent of the crop has emerged, and condition is 65 percent good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition dropped four points to 72 percent good to excellent.  First cutting of alfalfa is 91 percent complete, second cutting is at 15 percent.

Sweet cherry harvest is underway in the southwest and moving north to the east and west central regions. Bird pressure remains a concern.  Strawberry harvest continues in the east and west central regions.  Fresh market and pickling cucumber harvest is underway.  Yellow squash and zucchini harvest has begun.