News

Most planting in Michigan running ahead of average

Michigan farmers had one of the most productive stretches of the season with last week’s dry weather.

The USDA says corn is 92 percent planted, 72 percent emerged, and condition is rated 66 percent good to excellent.  Soybeans are 88 percent planted, 68 percent emerged, and condition is 67 percent good to excellent.

Oats are 92 percent planted, 79 percent emerged, and condition is 66 percent good to excellent.  Dry beans are 14 percent planted, and first cutting of alfalfa is 26 percent complete.

Winter wheat condition is maturing faster than last year and the five-year average with 95 percent of the crop jointed and condition rated 69 percent good to excellent. 

Warm, dry conditions also aided Michigan fruit crop development. Apples are being thinned, blueberries are in bloom and asparagus harvest continues.