News

Michigan’s corn crop maturing ahead of average

Crop conditions in Michigan remained relatively steady over the last week with corn silage harvest and crop maturity advancing ahead of average.

The Great Lakes Regional Ag Statistics office says 90 percent of the state’s corn crop is dented and 50 percent has matured, both slightly ahead of the five year average. The crop’s condition improved two points to 61 percent good to excellent.  Corn silage harvested was 59 percent complete as of Sunday, grain harvest remained at one percent.  Soybeans are 63 percent dropping leaves, one percent harvested and soybean condition remained steady at 68 percent good to excellent.  Eighteen percent of winter wheat has been planted.

Dry beans are 89 percent dropping leaves, 49 percent harvested and dry bean condition remained steady at 50 percent good to excellent. Sugarbeet condition dropped an additional point to 69 percent good to excellent and 14 percent of the crop is harvested.  The third cutting of alfalfa is 85 percent complete, fourth cutting is at 42 percent.

Apple growers are reporting favorable conditions for harvest. Wine and juice grape harvest continued with minimal disease and insect pressure.  USDA’s last vegetable report of the season says potato harvest continues throughout Michigan and the crop is starting to be stored.