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Weather delays in Michigan could cause acreage shifts

The President of the Michigan Farm Bureau says weather delays to the start of planting will soon result in variety or even acreage shifts for some farmers.

“The longer the wet spring happens, you start getting some switching of commodities.  If you can’t get the corn in, you have the option to plant soybeans.  If you’re getting heavy on soybeans, then you have the option of switching to dry beans.”  Carl Bednarski tells Brownfield farmers like himself in the Thumb region typically switch to early maturity corn varieties by the 15th of May.

He says about 60 percent of sugarbeets contracted with the Michigan Sugar Company are planted.  “They are starting to emerge and so far they look pretty good on the emergence, it’s just that we need to get the other 40 percent in.  Right now it could be a few days yet.”

Bednarski says while farmers are eager to start, it’s important for to remain safe during the planting season.

AUDIO: Interview with Carl Bednarski

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