News

Rains in Michigan good and bad

Michigan’s crop condition varies widely across the state as southern regions continue to need rain and too much moisture in the central and Thumb regions has led to some replanting.

The USDA says Michigan’s corn crop condition improved a point to 68 percent good to excellent, with most of the crop rated good.  Soybeans are 94 percent emerged, 12 percent blooming and condition dropped three points to 69 percent good to excellent.  The winter wheat condition remained steady at 72 percent good to excellent, 94 percent of the crop is headed and 38 percent is mature.

Sugarbeet condition dropped nine percent to 67 percent good to excellent, with most of the crop rated good.  Dry beans are 82 percent emerged and condition dropped four points to only 45 percent good to excellent.  Farmers have 79 percent of the alfalfa crop harvested for first cutting and 21 percent of second cutting completed.

Rains have been beneficial to Michigan fruit crops and have helped increase fruit size. Sweet cherry harvest has started in southern growing regions and growers report heavy rains have caused fruit cracking.  Tart cherry and blueberry harvest has also begun in the southern portion of the state.  Cabbage and field tomato harvest is underway as well as harvest of cucumbers, peas and zucchini.  Growers are anticipating pickles to be impacted by flood damage, but the full extent is still unknown.