News

Rain encourages growth

Widespread rains have helped crops starting grain fill in Michigan.

As of last Sunday, the USDA says 82 percent of soybeans are blooming and 54 percent are setting pods with 32 percent of the crop in good to excellent condition.  Corn is rated at 46 percent good to excellent with 78 percent of the crop silking and 25 percent in the dough stage. Dry beans are 81 percent blooming and 14 percent setting pods with the crop rated 24 percent good.

Winter wheat is now 95 percent mature and 86 percent harvested.  Sugarbeets are rated 36 percent good to excellent. 

Recent rain has benefited fruit and vegetable development but also brought on increased pest and disease pressure.