News

Planting cruises past last year’s average in Michigan

Warm, dry weather allowed Michigan farmers to jump ahead of last year’s planting progress. The USDA says more than five days were suitable for fieldwork last week and first cuttings of hay were just getting started.

The USDA says 67 percent of corn is planted, 16 percent is emerged. Soybeans are now 37 percent planted.  Sugarbeets are 99 percent planted, on pace with last year and 70 percent are emerged.

The winter wheat condition improved two points to 72 percent good to excellent, 76 percent of the crop is jointed, slightly behind last year.

Most orchards across the state were in various states of bloom. Blueberries and strawberries were also showing signs of bloom.  Asparagus and rhubarb harvest is picking up for major growing regions.