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Michigan fields over-saturated, sap is flowing

Persistent wet conditions are delaying the start of planting in Michigan.

In the first crop report of the season, USDA says about 90 percent of the state has no drought, with many areas of the Lower Peninsula muddy and wet.

Counties in the southeast thumb region are abnormally dry.  Topsoil moisture is 99 percent adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture is at 93 percent.

Michigan State University’s West Central Research and Extension Center farm manager Ashley Fleser tells Brownfield soil temperatures are running ahead of average while growing degree days are behind in his region which has been good for maple syrup.

“Here in West Michigan it’s been a banner year for sap and a lot of the old farmers if you ask them will tell you a good sap year generally leads to a good fruit year so we’re optimistic,” he shares.

A cooler March helped slow fruit development as growers prepare for the season.

Winter wheat is still dormant in many regions, condition was reported at 57 percent good to excellent.