News

Cool, wet conditions persist in Michigan

Rain and freezing nighttime temperatures delayed another week of planting for Michigan farmers last week. The USDA says planting progress continues to remain behind last year and the five year average for corn, soybeans, oats and sugarbeets.

The winter wheat condition dropped an additional point to 63 percent good to excellent, 41 percent of the crop is jointed, slightly behind last year.

The USDA says 10 percent of corn, 32 percent of sugarbeets, 37 percent of oats and one percent of soybeans are planted in Michigan.

Top soil and sub soil moisture is 100 percent adequate to surplus.

Cool, wet weather slowed fruit crop development and limited fungicide applications. Some growers are concerned about pollination and light frost damage.  Asparagus harvest was delayed by cool weather as well.  Growers continued planting processing carrots, sweet onions, tomatoes, sweet corn and potatoes throughout the state.