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Michigan conditions are turning more normal

Warmer conditions finally helped dry out Michigan fields last week.

Climate researcher B.J. Baule with Michigan State University says growing degree continue to run below normal.

“With all of this water and rainfall that we’ve had through the last couple of months and through the whole season, it’s been incredibly wet, we’re still seeing below normal temperatures across the state ranging anywhere from two to four degrees below normal.”

A heatwave the first week of July could turn that around.

The USDA says corn is now 96 percent planted, 84 emerged with condition rated 40 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 81 percent planted, 67 percent emerged and 43 percent good to excellent.

The wheat crop has just started to mature with 88 percent headed and condition improved two points to 44 percent good to excellent.

Dry beans are 65 percent planted and 25 percent emerged.  Sugar beet condition is now 55 percent good to excellent. The first cutting of alfalfa is 63 percent complete.

Harvest of squash and zucchini is underway in the southwest.  Asparagus harvest is nearly finished.  Sweet corn is also starting to tassel.  Fruit planting and develop remains behind normal.  Apple fruit sizing looks good as do blueberries.  The tart cherry conditions vary widely.