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Heat, humidity spark Michigan crop development

Warm nights and hot, humid days helped Michigan crops mature at an accelerated pace last week.  The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service says five-and-a-half dry days were suitable field work.  Reporters say excessive rain in central and northern Michigan slowed hand and small grain harvesting, while the lack of rain in southern Michigan continued to stress crops.

Corn is doing well where they’ve had moisture, but is under stress in southern counties.  Soybeans recovered fairly well from a wet spring, but they’re behind the average pace for setting pods.  Dry beans are also behind schedule.  The hay harvest has some farmers cutting just their first crop, while others are on their third cutting for the season.

Many of Michigan’s fruits and vegetables are still being harvested.  The USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service reporters say peaches look good, even with some dry weather.  Plums are being harvested, and some summer apples are being gathered in eastern Michigan.  The red raspberry harvest is past its peak, but the blackberry harvest is picking up momentum.  Carrots and cantaloupes are ready to pick in the eastern part of the state.  The sweet corn harvest continues.  There are reports of aphids in celery fields located in Van Buren and Newaygo counties.  The tomato harvest is expected to start next week.  Watermelons, squash, and pumpkins are still developing.