News

Michigan farmers receive timely rains

Timely rains this past week have been beneficial to most Michigan crops.

The USDA says Michigan’s corn crop condition declined a point to 66 percent good to excellent, 19 percent of the crop is silking.  Soybeans are 40 percent in bloom, seven percent setting pods and condition improved three points to 68 percent good to excellent.  The winter wheat condition improved three points to 69 percent good to excellent, 79 percent of the crop is mature and 39 percent harvested.

Sugarbeet condition declined two percent to 68 percent good to excellent.  Dry beans are now 94 percent emerged, four percent blooming and condition improved a point to only 32 percent good to excellent.  Farmers have 90 percent of the alfalfa crop harvested for first cutting and 48 percent of second cutting completed.

Last week’s rains were good to most fruit trees, but increased disease pressure in apples and fruit cracking in sweet cherries is a concern. Early harvest of peaches has started in the Southwest.  Harvest also continues for sweet and tart cherries, blueberries, raspberries and cucumbers.  Late blight was reported in potatoes the Southwest, with harvest expected to begin shortly.