News

Planting finally starting for Michigan farmers

A Michigan farmer says he was finally able to start planting corn over the weekend.

Fourth generation farmer Craig McManus farms in Eaton Rapids and operates Premier Seed Group, a seed production company in southeast Michigan.   “Right now we’re about 10 to 15 percent planted, it’s pretty wet here.  Down at the seed corn facility in southeastern Michigan, we haven’t even started planting down there yet.  It’s been quite the struggle so far this spring.”

He tells Brownfield the recent warm, dry weather has led to about three days so far in the field and a busy week ahead.  “Hopefully by the end of this week we’ll be about 90 to 100 percent planted on corn and maybe a good start on beans, 10 to 15 percent on soybeans.”

Even with the delays, McManus says he intends to stick with his original corn and soybean rotations, and good weed management has kept early weed pressure under control.

AUDIO: Interview with Craig McManus