News

Widespread damage possible after excessive rain in Michigan

Wet weather over the past week has been beneficial to Michigan farmers in the southern portion of the state, but excessive rain through the central and Thumb regions is expected to cause widespread damage.

The USDA says Michigan’s corn crop condition declined two points to 67 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 92 percent emerged, two percent blooming and condition dropped two points to 69 percent good to excellent.  The winter wheat condition improved eight points to 72 percent good to excellent, 92 percent of the crop is headed and 24 percent is mature.

Sugarbeet condition increased four percent to 76 percent good to excellent.  Dry beans are now 84 percent planted, 70 percent emerged and only 45 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent.  Farmers have 75 percent of the alfalfa crop harvested for first cutting and 11 percent of second cutting completed.

Michigan’s strawberry harvest continues with some growers ending early because of small, poor quality fruit. Cherry growers are reporting spotted wing Drosophila in orchards earlier than normal.  Harvest has started for mustard greens, collards and kale.